McALLEN — The McAllen High Bulldogs picked up their first win against one of District 31-5A’s “Power 5,” edging the Sharyland High Rattlers 25-22, 25-18, 1825, 23-25, 15-7 on Tu e s d a y night at the McAllen High School Gymnasium.
The Bulldogs entered Tuesday’s matchup with a must-win mentality, trailing the Rattlers by one game for fourth place in the district. Only the top four teams in each district advance to the postseason. District 31-5A has had five teams thus far ranked in a statewide poll.
“We came into this knowing it was a big game,” McAllen High head coach Michael Smith said. “You see everybody twice in the district so it’s important to take the legs up when you can and capitalize on your mistakes. We did a great job of preparing. The girls really focused all week and got a lot done. They came into this match with some fire.”
McHi jumped out to an early two-set lead, looking for the sweep going into the third.
The sweep was not to be, however, with the Rattlers digging themselves out of the hole, winning back-to-back sets to force a decisive fifth and final set.
Led by timely kills and blocks from Ada Sadlier, the Bulldogs battled back, taking the fifth and final set to improve to 3-3 in district play.
“We had to focus on the process,” Smith said. “The outcome will take care of itself, but the process is what’s most important. We got away from that a little during the third and fourth. We got some growing to do there. But, they did a great job in the fifth coming back and steeling their nerves a little bit.”
With that, the Bulldogs move into a tie for the fourth and final playoff spot in the district with Sharyland High, with the first half of district play ending Saturday.
“It’s huge for us to be able to get some confidence,” Smith said. “Also, just being able to execute and know we beat a great team. They’re going to be tough all the way through. We’re going to be tough. Memorial is going to be tough. Pioneer is going to be tough. Rowe is going to be tough. So, any given night, you have to execute. Watching these girls perform tonight, it was special.”
Up next, the Bulldogs (295,3-3) travel to Valley View at noon Saturday. Meanwhile, the Rattlers (26-10, 3-3) return home for a match against the PSJA Memorial Wolverines at noon Saturday at the Sharyland High Gymnasium.