HARLINGEN — After an emotional loss earlier in the week to Harlingen High, San Benito needed a win and got one.
Alysa Naranjo led the offense with a team-high 17 digs en route to a convincing 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 win Saturday against Harlingen South.
“ This was such an important win for us today,” Naranjo said. “We fell short against Harlingen (High) and that really hurt us, so we came out today motivated and ready to play.”
The win gives the Lady ’Hounds their first district win of the year, avoiding an 0-2 league start. With the district minimized, there is less room for error. San Benito next plays host to Brownsville Hanna on Tuesday.
Hanna picked up a win against Harlingen High earlier Saturday, improving to 2-0 in league play.
“ I told the girls (that) each week is going to be tough,” San Benito coach Ruby Medina said. “It was important for us to win today. The loss against Harlingen (High) hurt us, but we learned from it and it showed today. The girls came together and communicated well today.”
San Benito came out slow in the first set, falling behind 7-1. Later in the set, the Lady ’Hounds rallied and found their footing, and took the lead and never gave it back. During the second and third sets, San Benito built early leads and kept its offensive attack going behind Naranjo.
Devany Castillo finished with 12 kills, Sarah Garcia notched 27 digs and two aces. Sarah Garcia checked in with 27 digs and two aces, and Hailey Rodriguez had a team-high 33 digs. Teammate Ariel Garcia fed the offense with 33 assists, two aces and 12 digs.
“ I’m happy with the way the girls came out and played,” Medina said. “That is my team, and today they played like I knew they could. I told the girls whoever has fewer errors will win, because each week is very tough, everyone in this district is really good. There is no room to relax.”
The Lady Hawks, meanwhile, will regroup and travel to Brownsville Rivera for a game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Rivera and South are 0-2 in district play and will be looking for their first district win of the year.
Mikela Mireles led the Lady Hawks with 19 kills, Mya Aguirre and Allyah Guevara each finished with 18 digs, and Dolores Mendoza ended with 15 assists.