BY MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
Having graduated eight seniors and seeing a 14-player roster reduced to nine, Sharyland Pioneer has encountered a string of challenges in its third varsity season.
But coach Laura Cavazos believes her Lady Diamondbacks have managed just fine. They’ve had to develop players’ all-around skills in hopes that they could fill needs both in the front and back rows, and they’ve been able to give reps to players who might not have had a chance to play as much last season.
“The girls seem to be working well together,” Cavazos said. “Although we don’t have some of the depth as last year, the girls are more versatile. They’re switching positions to throw their opponents off, and they have good leadership and mesh well together.”
With losses to only Mission Veterans Memorial and Sharyland High in district this year, Pioneer (23-7, 7-2 in district) is on pace to make the playoffs once again. Last year, they finished fourth in district and advanced to the second round of the postseason. Now they find themselves in third place, despite switching districts (from 31-5A to 31-6A) with nine teams instead of seven.
Having a smaller roster has presented its share of hurdles, however. The Lady Diamondbacks are no longer able to practice six-on-six, as they used to. So Cavazos has been tasked with devising drills that can simulate game-like scenarios.
It’s been a challenge, she said, but players like Audrey Smith and Caitlyn Cottrell have stepped up. Smith, a junior setter, has flourished on the right side, and Cottrell has found her niche at middle blocker, after seeing limited time playing behind upperclassmen in the past.
Mikayla Zimmerer, a JV player last year, has provided a spark with her aggressiveness. And Savannah James, a senior outside hitter, has made the most of her opportunities. Previously a bench player, James has brought a calming presence to the team and has been one of its most consistent players, thriving in either the front or back rows.
The next two weeks will bring its share of tests for Sharyland Pioneer, which hosts Mission Veterans Memorial on Saturday and Sharyland High the following week in matches that could ultimately influence the top order of the district standings.
MAKING STRIDES
With eight new players to its roster, Grulla coach Cita Jimenez understood the 2016 season would bring its share of challenges.
Ushering in an entirely new team, Jimenez has tested a variety of lineups in hopes of finding the right combinations. Players like Delma Ozuna and Caitlyn Rodriguez have done their part to keep the Lady Gators in matches. Ozuna, a senior middle blocker and three-year letterman, has established herself as the team’s go-to hitter, and Rodriguez has adjusted from defensive specialist to middle blocker.
Together they’ve helped lead the way for a roster that consists of only one freshman, three sophomores and four juniors, in addition to Ozuna and Rodriguez, the seniors.
“It’s been very energetic, and a learning season for us,” said Jimenez, who has coached the program since 2010. “With a whole new group, we try to make every session about trying to teach them something different. And that’s one thing that I’m very happy about that the girls have been able to do. They want to learn. The passion is there. We just have to put it all together.”
She added: “It’s just learning what it take to compete at the varsity level. The committment, the time that goes into it. … But you see they’ve been able to manage their time wisely, and they’re understanding that with 10 girls on the team, it’s a team effort.