East Central, Southside notch statement victories

TEAMS INCLUDED: East Central, Edison, Harlandale, Highlands, Jefferson, Kennedy, Lanier, McCollum, Memorial, Southside, Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

The logjam at the top of the District 29-4A standings broke up a little bit Tuesday night, and the fallout is that one team will have smooth sailing ahead after Friday evening.

Harlandale (18-7, 4-0) and Medina Valley (16-14, 4-0) remained tied for first in 29-4A Tuesday, but the third co-leader coming out of the weekend no longer has a share of the district lead. Uvalde’s 25-19, 25-19, 26-28, 25-23 upset win at Floresville Tuesday dumped the Jaguars (16-14, 3-1) into third place.

That means temporary custody of first place in 29-4A will be settled at 6 p.m. Friday at Medina Valley. The Panthers defeated McCollum (6-18, 1-3) 25-21, 25-19, 25-15 Tuesday at Medina Valley despite nine kills and two blocks from Neyda Sanchez, 11 assists from Savannah Borjas and 14 digs from Jasmine Cordova.

Harlandale held its ground with a four-game win over Memorial in its home gym. The Indians, who prevailed 25-17, 25-12, 23-25, 25-13, can take sole possession of first place with a victory Friday at Medina Valley.

Katie Neira turned in 16 kills. Freshman Alicia Garcia contributed 17 assists and 13 digs. Kianna Sandoval added 12 assists and five digs.

Other defensive standouts for the Indians included seniors Sierra Sandoval (14 digs, 2 aces) and Cera Cerda (12 digs, 7 kills). Erika Arredondo (9 kills) and Kelly Landin each made four blocks. Jackie Espinoza finished with six kills and five digs. Melanie Mendez had four kills. Clarissa Guerrero notched five digs.

For Memorial, Bridget Gomez connected with Minutemen hitters for 15 assists. Jatziry Duarte made nine digs. Miranda Puente had a team-high five blocks. Abigail Garcia put down five kills.

East Central d. San Marcos

The Hornets (13-13) drew on solid performances from several players to score a mild upset over Sam Marcos (21-9) Tuesday at East Central. The host team won 25-17, 25-14, 22-25, 25-14.

Madison Simon led East Central with seven kills. Kaylin Mills and Chrstie Cosper supplied six kills apiece, while Cosper added 2.5 blocks. Other defensive leaders for the Hornets included Brandy Campos (11 digs) and Nichole West (6 digs). Each also served two aces.

Dual setters Danny Alvarez and Alex Pena distributed 15 and nine assists, respectively.

East Central will play host to Corpus Christi Carroll (11-10) at 7 p.m. Friday in its District 28-5A opener.

Southside d. Kennedy

The Cardinals (5-18, 1-3) picked up their first District 29-4A win of the season and ended an eight-match losing streak with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-19 victory over Kennedy (6-15, 1-3) Tuesday at Edgewood Gym.

Alyssa Gallardo (15 assists, 6 aces, 6 digs) and Cristina Guerra (5 kills, 3 aces, 3 digs, 2 blocks) each   contributed in several categories to lead Southside. Amber Munoz chipped in five kills and seven digs. Ariana Cisneros made a team-best 10 digs. Aimee Wood added five digs. Mayra Sendejo executed two blocks.

Kennedy  was led by Taylor Martinez (11 digs) and Clara Lopez (10 digs) on defense. Alexandra Arzola had four assists. Ashley Garza, Angel Huron and Amalee Ramos all served two aces. Huron also led the Rockets with four kills.

Highlands d. Lanier

The Owls (13-18, 6-1) held second place in 29-4A with a 25-15, 25-15, 25-16 win Tuesday at Lanier (6-16, 3-4).

Highlands was led by Analisa Garza with 30 assists. Jazmine Jackson made 13 kills and served five aces. Libero Jessica Alvarez was credited with 13 digs.

Vanessa Trevino made seven digs for the Voks.

Jefferson d. YWLA

The Mustangs (17-8, 5-2), who are tied for third place with Brackenridge, smacked Young Women’s Leadership Academy (2-24, 0-7) 25-7, 25-11, 25-12 Tuesday in 28-4A.

Selena Garcia dealt 10 assists and Melanie Ybarra made nine digs for the host team at Jefferson. Courney Garcia and Krystin Garcia each finished with five kills. Gabby Vasquez served two aces.

Alejandra Ramirez led YWLA with 11 digs. Karease Williams contributed five assists.