Throughout the season, Mission Juan Diego coach Vic Garza played it coy.
Publicly, he talked almost exclusively about the next match, never trying to get too far ahead of himself. But in the back of his mind, he felt his Lady Lions could make a return trip to the TAPPS 1A state tournament. On Saturday, they did, picking apart Lubbock All Saints Episcopal 25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, to nab their first state championship in the school’s five-year history.
“Internally, in practice or in the meetings, we knew our goal was to get back here,” Garza said. “Once we did that, we felt anything could happen.
“If we could be playing the right volleyball at the right time, I liked our chances.”
Mission Juan Diego (37-3) avenged last year’s state semifinal lost to San Antonio Gateway with a four-set win Saturday at the South San Antonio ISD Activities Center.
Ellie Kittleman had 21 kills, 5 blocks and 3 aces, and Jasmine Long contributed 12 kills, 13 digs and 5 aces for the Lady Lions.
“I think the stage was too bright for us last year,” Garza said. “We didn’t exactly know what to expect. We got caught up in the moment. But we took it in, and it was good. I think it really fueled us this year.”
Up 2-0, Mission Juan Diego took a 19-13 lead, before All Saints Episcopal stormed back to avoid elimination. Neither team took more than a two-point lead in Game 4 before the Lady Lions scored four straight to seal it.
Isabella Moreno notched 8 kills, 2 blocks, 5 digs, and Maddy Flores chipped in with 7 digs.
“Our power line was where it needed to be,” Garza said. “We were executing, and the other team picked everything up. They blocked, they were relentless. And fortunately for us, we got some by them.”
Garza dedicated the win to Sister Marcella Ewers, the founder of the 132-student school. Ewers also served as the school’s president its first four years before being called to her providence in St. Louis last September.
“Without her vision, dedication and leadership, none of this would be possible,” Garza said. “We love her and miss her and we hope we have made her proud.”