MIKE GONZALEZ | STAFF WRITER
DONNA — Donna High volleyball coach Cindy Viesca described the Bravettes’ sweep over Mercedes on Saturday as one of confidence.
This is a program that hasn’t reached the postseason since 2007. But it has a different look, attitude and focus, and it is showing this season, the latest result a 25-18, 25-15 and 25-15 victory over the Lady Tigers at home.
The win has the Bravettes (24-8 overall) off to a quick 3-0 start in District 32-5A. Not only is Donna thinking about ending the seven-year playoff drought, the squad has district championship hopes on its mind.
“This is one step closer,” senior captain Marina Martinez said. “Our goal is to be district champs.”
The Lady Tigers (15-12, 1-2 32-5A) began the contest with a quick 4-0 lead in the first set, but that would prove to be the only bright spot for Mercedes. After that, the Bravettes took control through the serving of Kara Yanez, while Martinez, Emily Cavazos and Yvette Tamez played big roles.
Mercedes played about even with Donna in the second and third games, but once the Bravettes got rolling, the Lady Tigers had no answer.
“Every team we play is now out to beat Donna,” Viesca said. “Today was a bad start, but we stuck together as a team. It’s not how you start, but how you finish.”
Martinez finished all three games with a kill, including a nice left-handed swing in the finale.
“It feels good just helping the team,” Martinez said. “It took teamwork and communication.”
Martinez led the team with 15 kills, 22 digs and three aces, while Tamez had eight kills, 10 digs and four blocks. Yanez was terrific in the backcourt with 20 digs, while Allison Loredo gave Donna a big boost with 19 assists and eight digs.
Summer Vento was solid in front of the net for the Lady Tigers with six kills and three blocks, while Kassidy Arguellas had 26 digs for Mercedes.
While 3-0 is a nice start to district, the Bravettes understand the long journey of reaching big heights. It’s new territory for the program, but this year’s squad has proven to be tough to beat.
“This year has been the best, confidence and team-wise,” Tamez said.