BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
McAllen High is coming back the Rio Grande Valley to continue its postseason march.
The Lady Bulldogs advanced to this weekend’s Class 6A regional semifinals at UTRGV by sweeping Laredo United 25-21, 25-13, 25-15 in the regional quarterfinals Monday night in Alice.
McAllen High is 43-2 this season.
“This is the best game we have played all year,” McAllen High coach Paula Dodge said. “The first game was close. It was back and forth. They came back and we had to answer that.”
After a tight first set, it was smooth sailing for McAllen High. The Bulldogs were able to control the tempo and play at their pace.
“We were focused on one point at a time,” Dodge said. “One game at a time.”
The teams were fairly evenly matched in size. McAllen High was able to utilize its skill up front to dominate the game with blocks.
“We did a great job up front,” Dodge said. “They had to change up their attacks.”
Senior middle blocker Sydney Pemelton led the way with nine kills and five blocks. Senior outside hitter Julia Monday was a catalyst, providing 14 kills, seven digs and one ace. Junior outside hitter Victoria Rogers produced six kills, five digs and 2 blocks. Junior setter Carter Helmcamp was on point as well, finishing with 31 assists, two blocks, five kills, three aces and three digs.
McAllen High advances to face the winner of the Brandeis-New Braunfels match tonight at 7 p.m. in San Antonio.
Friday’s regional semifinals take place at the UTRGV Fieldhouse in Edinburg, as McAllen ISD is hosting the tournament.
“We are very excited to play in our own backyard,” Dodge said. “We are just polishing up everything, and making sure we are prepared for the next team that we play.”