KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
RIO HONDO — The Hidalgo Lady Pirates rained on the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats’ parade Tuesday night.
The Lady Pirates, led by Barbie Gutierrez, made quick work of the Lady ’Cats 25-17,25-12,25-20. Tuesday also marked the beginning of district play for the squads.
“We know what we have to fix,” Rio Hondo coach Lizzette Esparza said. “We need to play smarter and be more effective. We were excited to have our home opener, the girls were ready to be back home and play on their home court.”
Gutierrez finished with five sets and six kills, Melanie Salinas also finished with six kills.
The Lady Pirates fell behind 9-2 early in the first set but stormed back to take a 16-13 lead and never lost it.
During the second and third set, the Lady Pirates built up an early lead and capitalized on Rio Hondo’s misuses.
Despite the loss, Esparza said there is plenty of optimism to go around for the Lady ’Cats.
“The seniors on this team have stepped up and led the younger girls,” Esparza said. They are molding them and teaching them the ropes. The girls know what they want, and we know what we need to do to get better. The kids are fighters and they continue to fight, and as the season goes on the younger girls are getting more experience.”