By ADAM KUJAWSKI, Staff Writer
It was the fifth game of a second-round playoff match against the Port Isabel Lady Tarpons and the Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats, and P.I. was facing defeat down seven points.
That was until Kelcie Swink, a sophomore Lady Tarpons player at the time, stepped behind the line and proceeded to serve up a handful of aces and lead her team to victory.
That moment was chosen by Swink’s four-year teammate, Gabby Torres, as her favorite memory to date as a member of the Port Isabel volleyball team.
Both want to recreate that magic with another deep playoff run like the one they experienced on the back of Swink’s heroics, which ultimately led them to the fourth round.
Torres and Swink each believe that teamwork and an improved defensive element could be the recipe for Port Isabel to make a statement in the postseason.
“I believe this team, this year, has a lot better defense,” Torres said.
“When we all play together and play to our full potential, we have a really strong chance,” Swink added.
Part of that enhanced defense is possible because they have each taken on new responsibilities as outside hitters this season, a position that has them rotating more into the back row.
Second-year coach Julie Breedlove thinks the added versatility has helped the team, as well as the fact that the outside hitter role is anchored by players who demonstrate strong leadership.
“We couldn’t do what we do without them,” she said. “Gabby is a little more vocal in her leadership, Kelcie is a bit quieter, but she leads by example. Together, they’re a good package.
“When one is faltering, the other one can pick up the slack and take over. If one gets down on themselves, the other can come in and pick her up.”
The duo leads the team in kills, blocks and digs, and, individually, they hope they can use their success at their new positions as a last chance to bring home some hardware.
Swink is working toward earning the offensive player of the year award to go along with last year’s all-district second team and her sophomore year’s all-district first team distinctions. Torres hopes to double up as the district MVP, an honor she took home last season.
Once the final chapter is completed, each will attend college to play sports other than volleyball. Torres soon will sign with the University of Texas at San Antonio to run track, specifically the heptathlon, a combination of seven track & field events. Swink has been accepted to attend Oklahoma Christian University, where she hopes to play softball for the Eagles.
Adam Kujawski covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @adamkujo1.