SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
The McAllen Memorial volleyball team took a 10-point lead during the first set of its Class 6A regional quarterfinal match Tuesday and never looked back.
The Mustangs swept Laredo Alexander 25-17, 25-21, 25-21, to advance to the regional semifinals this weekend at UTRGV. McAllen Memorial plays San Antonio Reagan at 8 p.m. Friday as the second part of a doubleheader at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. McAllen High plays Brandeis in the regional semifinal at 6 p.m.
“We have been to the Sweet 16 before,” McAllen Memorial coach Lorena Lopez said. “But, we have never had the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd. That will help at that level.”
The Mustangs controlled the tempo early in Tuesday’s match to run away with it.
“The team played really well tonight,” Lopez said. “Coming in, we knew we had to serve aggressively and be ready to play defense. We did everything that we planned to do.”
The Mustangs were paced by sophomore middle hitter Lanie Nitsch, who provided 15 kills and six blocks. Nitsch was helped by the play of junior setter Alexia Kruse, who compiled 30 assists, two blocks and five digs. Another vital part of the offense was sophomore outside hitter Jocelyn Everage, who had 10 kills and four digs. Senior setter Taylor Marburger added six kills, eight digs and 10 assists.
Senior outside hitter Darin Ibara was a catalyst for the serving game. She amassed five aces, seven kills and 10 digs.