That changed Saturday as the highly energetic Diamondbacks defeated the Bulldogs 27-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-23 at McAllen High School behind a well-rounded offensive attack. It was the second match of the day for both schools as District 31-5A has agreed to play doubleheaders Saturdays and single matches Tuesdays.
It was the second win of the day for Pioneer, defeating PSJA Southwest in straight sets during its morning match. McHi defeated city rival McAllen Rowe in its earlier match of the day in four sets. After one full Saturday of matches, Pioneer leads the district at 2-0. McAllen Memorial is 1-0 and had its second match of the day, against Sharyland High, rescheduled.
“This means a lot,” Pioneer head coach Laura Cavazos said. “We knew coming into this district that playing some of these teams in the past has been tough and they have given us a very hard time. The girls want to prove themselves and tonight they kept fighting and pushing themselves. We had some fuel tonight for this game.”
The two teams split the first two sets and McHi looked like it not only found a rhythm but also a weak spot in the defense, attacking Pioneer with softer attacks and tips. The strategy worked in the second set but Pioneer made adjustments and those attacks weren't as effective in the final two sets.
“We had to change our mentality on that, they are power hitters but they were going more toward some finesse shots and I told the girls they needed to be ready,” Cavazos said. “They were reading it a little better and were more successful after that.”
Pioneer led 19-13 in the third set behind strong attacks from Daisy Monie, Mariana Trevino and Thalia Ochoa. McHi pulled to within 23-22 but a kill from Lorelai Hill and an error on McHi gave the Diamondbacks a two set to one lead. Three Diamondbacks registered double-digit kills led by Trevino with 12 and Ochoa and Monie with 10 apiece. Hill added eight kills while Jordan Bravo had four kills and five block... Click here to read full article
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