By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
Los Fresnos and Brownsville Veterans Memorial got off to strong starts in pool play Thursday during the opening day of the Poundfest volleyball tournament in McAllen.
The Lady Falcons and Lady Chargers, defending champions in District 32-6A and District 32-5A, respectively, each won three matches Thursday.
Los Fresnos defeated Pace 25-14, 25-15; PSJA High 25-13, 25-7; and Port Isabel 25-13, 25-11.
“It was awesome,” Lady Falcons coach Becky Woods said. “It looks like a very promising season for us. We are not big by any means, but we’re very powerful, quick and smart when playing.”
Also Thursday, Brownsville Veterans captured victories against Edinburg North 25-13, 25-17; the McAllen High junior varsity 25-14, 25-11; and PSJA North 25-7, 25-12.
“The girls really stepped it up and played well,” Lady Chargers coach Lisa Mares said. “Cassie Valdez, our starting setter/hitter, did not play due to an injury. Therefore, Bridget Himes, our middle blocker, stepped up and became our secondary setter.
“We had great communication and teamwork as a whole,” Mares added.
Tournament competition continues this morning. Tournament finals are scheduled Saturday.
Also Thursday at Poundfest, Rivera won two of three pool-play matches, while Hanna won one of three.
Rivera defeated Edinburg Economedes and the McAllen Memorial JV in two games apiece before falling against Laredo Alexander in three games.
Hanna dropped matches in two games against both Sharyland High and McAllen Rowe before winning against Weslaco High in two games.
Another Rio Grande Valley event, the Donna Bravette Tournament, begins today and runs through Saturday. The Lopez Lady Lobos are playing in that competition.