BY GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
Despite having an enrollment of just 127 students, Juan Diego Academy beat schools of all sizes at the Zapata Tournament over the weekend, winning the title with an undefeated record. The Lady Lions took down a pair of schools with more than 2,600 students, toppling La Joya Juarez-Lincoln and Laredo LBJ.
The tournament is designed to help Juan Diego Academy prepare for the postseason, where the team hopes to claim a TAPPS 1A state title after coming up two games short last season.
“When we go up against those big schools, I just want my girls to get a feel for big school power, and the competition,” coach Vic Garza said. “The result is just the icing on the cake. What I’m looking for is improvement, and competition, and to see how they respond when the competitive levels get a little higher.”
Juan Diego Academy is used to facing stiff competition, advancing to the State TAPPS 1A semifinals last season before falling to San Antonio Gateway Christian.
The Lady Lions lost just three little-used seniors from that team and added a valuable piece to their attack with the transfer of outside hitter Ellie Kittleman from McAllen Memorial.
Senior Jasmine Long, the most valuable player in TAPPS 1A District 6 last year, is back as the Lady Lions do-it-all player, while three-year captain Shelby Fernal continues to be the quarterback of the team from the setter position.
Garza feels he has built a group more equipped to handle the state playoff stage, which he said “got a little too bright” for the Lady Lions last year.
Juan Diego Academy is 9-2 overall after beating Laredo Martin on Wednesday.
“Kittleman gave us a little more attack and a little more firepower, and then our players that were very successful last year gained a whole year and a whole offseason of work,” Garza said. “It’s showing on the court right now. You can see how we fight through little things that last year, we weren’t able to fight through.”
ON THE BIG STAGE
Playing at the Adidas Texas Volleyball Invitational a year ago, Mission Veterans went just 2-5. Coach Diana Lerma saw her team struggle to cope with the superior height of the state’s elite teams.
Getting another crack at the same tournament this year, Mission Veterans was unfazed. The Lady Patriots flipped that mark around, turning in a 5-2 performance to win the Silver Bracket title.
“I was getting goosebumps just watching them,” coach Diana Lerma said. “I was just proud of them, so, so proud of them.”
Going against teams that boasted multiple players taller than 6-foot, the Lady Patriots relied on their defense. They knew they couldn’t block straight on against the taller, harder-hitting players, but they aimed to slow the ball down to open up an opportunity to pass.
More than depending on just big hitters Gabby Lerma, Daisy Reyna and D.D. Ibarra, the Patriots leaned on their secondary attack options, namely Jacqueline Howell.
“Their strength is them understanding their roles,” Lerma said. “It’s hard for them to beat us when we’re all fighting for the same thing.”
SETTLING IN
After entering last year with a new coach and a lot of turnover, Sharyland High has a lot more stability in Year 2 under Raul Castillo.
“It’s always easier in your second year, because you’re used to the girls, and you’re used to the program,” Castillo said. “They get used to you as a coach, so it’s all going to be easier.”
Although the team lost five seniors at the end of last season, the Lady Rattlers also return five starters. Senior Paige Jones is back as the team’s setter, senior Maddie Garza returns at middle blocker, and sophomore Caleigh Hausenfluck reprises her role as the starting libero.
Hannah Kirby is also back but in a different position, moving from right-side hitter to outside hitter after practicing the new spot with her club team during the offseason.
“She’s having to play defense, and she’s having to serve receive more,” Castillo said. “That’s what she’s been doing. She’s stepped it up, and she’s looking good.”