By ROY HESS | Staff Writer
The recently completed volleyball season was one of the most satisfying and enjoyable for Los Fresnos coach Becky Woods because of the senior group she had playing for her.
That’s saying a lot considering Woods has coached the Lady Falcons for 34 seasons.
Los Fresnos’ group of 10 seniors came shining through during the 2018 season. They blended well together on the court from the start back in August.
The Lady Falcons finished 36-9 overall and won District 32-6A with a 9-1 record. For the seniors who were on the varsity for four years, it was their third district title out of four seasons with a second-place finish in 2017. Los Fresnos advanced two rounds in the playoffs this year.
Fittingly, the Lady Falcons received some of the top honors on The Brownsville Herald’s 2018 All-Metro Volleyball Team.
Woods is the All-Metro Coach of the Year. Sarah Villarreal is the Setter of the Year and Isis Delgado is the Libero of the Year, plus fellow seniors Emma Stambaugh and Sandra Salazar are on the first team.
The All-Metro area includes Brownsville, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel.
“It’s been fun and relaxing (this season),” said Woods, who was assisted by Norma Pena. “These girls have played together for so long that they knew exactly what to do. They knew what the expectations were from Day 1. Actually, they knew what the expectations were even back when they were freshmen. They knew if they stayed together and played together, they would win that district title.
“(Regarding being named coach of the year,) it all goes back to the girls,” Woods added. “They’re the ones who won all those matches. I was on the sideline enjoying just watching them play. They wanted that district title, that bi-district title and to get to the area final. I wouldn’t be here without the players. It’s just that simple. They’re the ones who have made the difference along with all the assistant coaches at all the levels. They get these girls ready to play on the varsity.”
Delgado and Villarreal have been a big part of the Lady Falcons’ success. Delgado has started four years and won an All-Metro award during each of her four seasons. Villarreal has started three seasons.
Delgado led the team this season with 755 digs and 575 serve receptions. Villarreal had 283 digs and a team-best 1,000 assists.
Both girls said they appreciate the support of their families and their coaches.
“These four years playing for the Lady Falcons have been an unforgettable experience,” said Delgado, who ranks among the top students academically in her senior class and is a strong candidate for valedictorian honors. “I don’t think there would ever be another team where I could play with such amazing girls and all-around players.
“Winning these awards is like a reminder to me that, yes, I did all I could for the team,” she added. “It all comes back to the team. Everything I do is for the benefit of the team, not me. It’s for everyone.”
On the All-District 32-6A Team, Delgado also was the libero of the year, and Villarreal was the 32-6A overall MVP.
“It’s definitely mind-blowing (to win these honors),” Villarreal said. “I’ve always looked up to my sister (Gloriana Villarreal) who graduated in 2012, and she didn’t get (all-district) MVP her senior year. For me to do it my senior year is like the cherry on top of the cake. It’s just amazing for me.
“I’m really happy with the way my senior year (of volleyball) has ended up and how I’m going out,” Villarreal added. “I still plan to play in college, so (I’m not done yet). This is just like a chapter (in my book). It’s not the end.”