The UIL volleyball season is a little more than one month old and the preliminaries are almost over now, with district competition beginning this week.
District 32-4A starts today, and District 32-5A begins Saturday. Both districts have eight teams. The six-team District 32-6A won’t get going until Sept. 18.
La Feria returns an experienced team as the Lionettes attempt to three-peat in 32-4A. They won district last year with a 13-1 record.
“It is definitely our team goal to repeat,” said La Feria coach Rebea Fraga, now in her 29th year of guiding the Lionettes. “Our non-district schedule has helped prepare us. We’re excited about starting district competition.
“Our district is always so competitive, even if the records don’t always reflect it,” she added.
The Lionettes have a pair of returning starters in Karina Diaz and Natalie Gonzalez, each with two or more years as lettermen on the varsity. Teammates who are two-year lettermen include Felicity Watson, Mary Winston and Kaylen Chapa.
La Feria has gone against teams of higher classification and done well. On Aug. 18, the Lionettes defeated Weslaco East of District 31-6A for the consolation championship at Port Isabel’s Volley at the Beach Tournament.
La Feria opens 32-4A action at Progreso at 6:30 p.m. today. Other 32-4A openers at 6:30 p.m. today have Raymondville at Port Isabel, Zapata at Grulla and Rio Hondo vs. Hidalgo.
Port Isabel is looking for a return to the playoffs as well.
“I’m excited and the players are excited (for the start of district),” Lady Tarpons coach Julie Breedlove said. “Everyone is 0-0, and it’s a fresh start to the season. We hope to start district 1-0 and take things match by match.
“Our girls are starting to jell,” Breedlove added. “They’re learning about each other more and more. Their communication (on the court) is getting better. I hope to see us keep improving.”
Leading the way for the Lady Tarpons are Gabby Torres, an outside hitter/defensive specialist, and Marlisa Martinez, a setter. Also for Port Isabel, Samantha Chapa was selected as one of the top players at the recent St. Joseph Academy Tournament.
After today’s matches, 32-4A competition continues Saturday.
32-5A UPDATE
Just like La Feria in 32-4A, Brownsville Veterans Memorial is the two-time defending champion in 32-5A.
But unlike La Feria, the Lady Chargers have virtually a new team, with only a couple varsity holdovers from the squads that went 28-0 during the past two seasons in 32-5A.
The Lady Chargers captured district titles at the subvarsity levels one year ago and now are trying to establish themselves as a strong team in varsity competition.
When asked about her team in early August, Lady Chargers coach Lisa Mares said, “We’re under construction right now. We hope to be a masterpiece at the end (of the season).”
As Brownsville Veterans’ 32-5A opener looms at 1 p.m. Saturday at Pace, Mares said, “I’m still a bit nervous and excited. We have been playing better, and things are coming together. The girls are having fun and are excited for the year.”
The Lady Chargers boast a pair of seniors with varsity experience in middle blocker Frida Rangel and outside hitter Pamela Sanchez. There’s also libero Alexandra Parchmont, who had 50 digs in a recent match against McAllen High. Sophomore setter Daniela Espinosa also is contributing to the team’s success.
They all have been playing well,” Mares said.
Besides the Brownsville Veterans-Pace match, other 32-5A openers at 1 p.m. Saturday have Edcouch-Elsa at Lopez, Porter at Donna High and Valley View vs. Mercedes.
Teams that have emerged as favorites in 32-5A so far this season appear to be Donna High and Edcouch-Elsa.
32-6A UPDATE
With only six teams, 32-6A action is starting Sept. 18, one of its latest dates to begin. Teams in the district are gradually winding up their non-district preparations and trying to make sure players are healthy for the start of conference play.
While there are six non-district matches scheduled today involving 32-6A teams, four of them are open this weekend except for Hanna and San Benito.
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess.