Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com
FOOTBALL: Jefferson vs. Laredo United scrimmage photo gallery, Aug. 22, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)
Category: Week of Aug. 17-23, 2014
VOLLEYBALL MID-WEEK REPORT: Jefferson stays unbeaten with win at Jay
Southwest sweeps to two wins; Southside edges Brack
AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Brackenridge, Burbank, East Central, Edison, Fox Tech, Highlands, Highlands, Holy Cross, Jefferson, Lanier, South San, Southside, Southwest, Young Women’s Leadership Academy.
Jefferson (11-0) needed to work overtime Tuesday to preserve its spotless record at Jay (4-4), but they were able to prevail in the non-district match.
The Mustangs lost the first game 17-25, but won the next two by identical 25-22 scores. Jay, whose mascot also is the Mustangs, forced a fifth game with a 25-15 win.
Fifth games usually are only to 15 points, but the winning team must win by at least two points. Jefferson couldn’t pull out the match until the game score reached 19-17.
Senior Cecilia Campos led Jefferson with 30 digs. Gabby Vasquez recorded 16 kills and four service aces. Madelyn Chavez and Marissa Vargas each notched two blocks.
Jefferson will try to maintain its unblemished record this weekend at the challenging SAISD Tournament.
Southwest/Highlands
Southwest (4-6) has picked up a pair of wins so far this week. The Dragons defeated Highlands (0-0) at Monday and Harlandale (2-5) Wednesday, both in three games and at Southwest.
Against Harlandale, the Dragons won 25-19, 25-17, 30-28. Defense set the tone as three Southwest players recorded more than 10 digs. Junior Megan Hernandez finished with 13. Brandy Martinez and Amanda Solis chipped in 11 apiece.
Southwest received nine kills from Kassandra Cruz and eight from Aashlyn Sulaica. Angie Aguilar contributed 16 assists and two aces. Yasmine Garcia dealt six assists. Six-foot sophomore Brie-Anna Armstrong recorded two blocks.
For Harlandale, sophomores Tanya Ramos and Valeria Stokes each made five blocks. Kianna Sandoval contributed 11 assists, 10 digs and three aces. Dominique Delgado also added 10 digs.
In the Highlands match, Sulaica contributed 13 digs and nine kills, leading the Dragons to a 25-21, 25-13, 25-20 victory.
Cruz also slammed nine kills. Martinez led with 17 digs. Aguilar dealt 10 assists and Dori Martinez provided eight in Southwest’s 6-2 offense. Hernandez served three aces.
Highlands received 13 digs from sophomore libero Kiara Pesina. Jazmine Jackson finished with eight kills. Analisa Garza distributed 10 assists.
The Owls lost a tough match 25-23, 16-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-11 to Roosevelt (4-8) Wednesday at Littleton Gym.
Highlands senior Emily Pearce led the Owls with 17 digs and shared the team lead with Sara Denton in blocks (3 each). Senior Angela Garcia dished 17 assists. Bryten Mitchan pounded 16 kills.
Southside 3, Brackenridge 2
The Cardinals (5-4) had won four of their last five matches after prevailing 24-26, 25-19. 18-25, 25-13, 15-9 over Brackenridge (1-6) Tuesday at the SAISD school.
The host Eagles had Southside on the ropes, winning two of the first three games. However, the Cardinals finished strong.
Junior Ashley Sanchez led the Cardinals with 16 digs and nine kills. Sophomore Alyssa Gallardo supplied 26 assists and eight digs. Analee Uriegas had 25 digs and served three aces. Mia Soto added team highs of 14 kills and five aces, to go with four digs. Other key contributors were: Tyler Bolton (12 assists, 2 blocks), Chloe Davis (4 kills), Briana Martinez (10 kills, 5 digs) and Brianna Rodriguez (8 assists, 3 aces).
Brackenridge was led by seniors Jacky Nevarez (16 digs, 14 assists, 2 aces) and Kathy Sifuentes (26 digs, 4 aces). Skyler Reyna led the Eagles with seven kills and made 19 digs. Emily Martinez tracked down 17 digs. Courtney Hansford finished with three blocks while Eshe Malone had two.
East Central 3, Roosevelt 0
The Hornets (3-6) roared to an impressive 25-14, 25-19, 25-12 win over Roosevelt Tuesday at East Central.
East Central freshman Skyeler Embry played a strong all-around game with 16 kills, 10 digs and three aces. Senior Madison Simon recorded nine kills and six digs. Dual setters Kaylin Mills (8 digs, 4 kills) and Alex Pena (6 digs) each finished with 16 assists. Brandi Campos tracked down 17 digs. Christie Cosper added four kills and 2.5 blocks.
South San 3, Burbank 0
The Bobcats (5-3) bounced back from a three-game loss to tough Antonian Monday to down the Bulldogs (4-6) a day later. South San won 25-17, 25-11, 25-8 at Burbank.
Seniors Mariah Gonzalez and Nicolette Lopez each served four aces for South San. Kaitlyn Serna led the Bobcats with four blocks. Lauren Estrada and Erica Jimenez produced a team highs with six kills and 12 assists.
Burbank received 12 digs from Katherine Regalado and two blocks from Yesenia Munoz.
Holy Cross 3, Edison 0
The Knights (6-1) thumped Edison (1-6) 25-7, 25-13, 25-12 Tuesday at location.
A pair of sophomores led Holy Cross. Henrianna Ibarra hammered 14 kills and Daisy Flores served seven aces. Victoria Gonzalez made 15 digs. Stella Ramirez distributed 12 assistgs.
Edison received eight digs and four assists from sophomore Marissa Cortinas.
Lanier 3, Pearsall 0
The Voks (2-5) notched their second win Monday in a non-district match at Pearsall. Lanier closed out the victory in three games, 25-21, 26-24, 25-19.
Sophomore setter Rae Ann Douglas was the Voks’ pacesetter with 19 assists and three service aces. Junior Jenny Flores contributed nine kills. Esmi Garza added seven digs.
VOLLEYBALL: Highlands vs. Southwest photo gallery, Aug. 18, 2014 (photos by KJ Toso)
Photos taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com
VOLLEYBALL: This week’s results (thru Aug. 23)
NOTE: teams we cover are in boldface
Games of Aug. 17-23
Monday’s results
Non-district
Seguin (4-5) 3, McCollum (2-4) 1 (18-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19)
Providence (5-2) 3, Sam Houston (5-3) 0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-22)
Fox Tech (0-6) vs. Kennedy (2-6) (scores unavailable)
Southwest (3-6) 3, Highlands (3-5) 0 (25-21, 25-13, 25-20)
Austin Crockett (1-1) 3, Memorial (2-7) 0 (scores unavailable)
Antonian (8-1) 3, South San (4-3) 0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-8)
Lanier (2-4) 3, Pearsall (3-3 ???) 0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-19)
Tuesday’s results
Non-district
Brooks Academy (2-0) at Gervin Academy (0-0 ???), 5 p.m. (scores unavailable)
Young Women’s Leadership Academy (3-7) 2, Fox Tech (1-7) 1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-19)
Southside (5-4) 3, Brackenridge (1-6) 2 (24-26, 25-19, 18-25, 25-13, 15-9)
East Central (3-6) 3, Roosevelt (3-8) 0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-12)
Young Women’s Leadership Academy (2-7) at Hawkins (1-5) (scores unavailable)
Schertz John Paul II (1-0) 3, Providence (5-2) 2 (16-25, 25-17, 25-21, 24-26, 15-12)
South San (5-3) 3, Burbank (4-7) 0 (25-17, 25-11, 25-8)
Southwest (4-6) 3, Harlandale (2-5) 0 (25-19, 25-17, 30-28)
Jefferson (11-0) 3, Jay (4-4) 0 (17-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-25, 19-17)
Fox Tech (1-7) 2, Hawkins (1-6) 0 (25-10, 25-23)
Holy Cross (6-1) 3, Edison (1-6) 0 (25-7, 25-13, 25-12)
Wednesday’s results
Non-district
Memorial (2-7) at Eagle Pass Winn (5-3) (scores unavailable)
Roosevelt (4-8) 3, Highlands (3-6) 2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-11)
St. Anthony (4-2) 3, Lanier (2-5) 0 (25-14, 25-10, 25-16)
Thursday’s results
TAPPS 4-4A
Holy Cross (7-1, 1-0) 3, Cornerstone Christian (0-3 ???, 0-1) 0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-12)
Victoria St. Joseph (12-0, 1-0) 3, San Antonio Christian (2-6, 0-1) 0 (scores unavailable)
Non-district
Medina Valley (3-3 ???) 3, McCollum (2-5) 2 (25-20, 22-25, 25-19, 14-25, 15-11)
Devine Arabian Round-up
AREA TEAMS – Lanier (3-6), Sam Houston (5-3). Finals – Saturday.
FEAST (5-5) 2, Lanier (3-6) 0 (25-20, 25-23)
Devine (6-0), 2, Lanier (3-6) 0 (25-17, 25-15)
Lanier (3-6) 2, Sabinal (2-4 ???) 0 (25-13, 25-13)
Dickinson Gator Classic
East Central (5-7) 2, Pasadena Memorial (1-2 ???) 0 (25-11, 25-9)
Alvin (7-4) 2, East Central (5-7) 0 (25-10, 25-15)
East Central (5-7) 2, Friendswood Clear Brook (5-7) 0 (25-20, 25-18)
Friday’s matches
Non-district
Devine Arabian Round-up
AREA TEAMS – Lanier (3-6), Sam Houston (5-3). Finals – Saturday.
Sam Houston (6-5) 2, Poteet (4-8) 1 (19-24, 25-21, 25-22)
Marion (4-3 ???) 2, Sam Houston (6-5) 0 (25-20, 25-17)
Boerne (10-2), Sam Houston (6-5) 0 (25-14, 25-9)
Dickinson Gator Classic
AREA TEAMS – East Central (5-7). Finals – Saturday.
Jaguar Classic
At Floresville
Harlandale (5-6) 2, Burbank (4-11) 0 (25-5, 25-21)
Corpus Christi Moody 2, Memorial (2-11) 0 (25-16, 25-15)
Lockhart 2, Providence (7-5) 1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-20)
San Marcos 2, Edison (1-10) 1 (25-17, 14-25, 28-26)
Floresville 2, Fox Tech (2-10) 0 (25-10, 25-4)
Harlandale (5-6) 2, Eagle Pass 1 (25-12, 15-25, 25-13)
Lockhart 2, Burbank (4-11) 0 (25-13, 25-10)
Hondo 2, Memorial (2-11) 0 (25-18, 25-22)
Jay 2, Fox Tech (2-10) 0 (25-6, 25-11)
Providence (7-5) 2, Eagle Pass 0 (25-10, 25-17)
Laredo United 2, Edison (1-10) 0 (25-19, 25-20)
Lytle 2, Memorial (2-11) 0 (25-16, 25-11)
Lockhart 2, Harlandale (5-6) 0 (25-13, 25-19)
Randolph 2, Edison (1-10) 0 (25-21, 25-19)
Eagle Pass 2, Burbank (4-11) 0 (25-7, 25-19)
Fox Tech (2-10) 2, Floresville JV 0 (25-23, 25-15)
Harlandale (5-6) 2, Providence (7-5) 1 (25-17, 22-25, 25-17)
Cole 2, Memorial (2-11) 0 (25-20, 27-25)
Holmes 2, Edison (1-10) 0 (25-12, 25-12)
Edinburg North 2, Fox Tech (2-10) 0 (25-7, 25-18)
Providence (7-5) 2, Burbank (4-11) 0 (25-15, 25-16)
SAISD Tournament
Pool A
At Alamo Convocation Center
Southwest (6-7) 2, Eagle Pass Winn (5-7 ???) 0 (25-10, 25-11)
Holy Cross (10-2) 2, Eagle Pass Winn (5-7 ???) 0 (25-10, 25-21)
Holy Cross (10-2) 2, Southwest (6-7) 1 (27-25, 21-25, 25-13 )
Pool B
At Highlands Court 2
Southside (6-6) 2, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (4-9 ???) 0 (25-14, 25-6)
McAllen (6-3 ???) 2, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (4-9 ???) 0 (25-7, 25-14)
McAllen (6-3 ???) 2, Southside (6-6) 0 (25-11, 25-14)
Pool C
At Highlands Court 1
Highlands (5-7) 2, South San (6-5) 1 (23-25, 25-20, 25-20)
Schertz John Paul II (3-1) 2, South San (6-5) 1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-15)
Highlands (5-7) 2, Schertz John Paul II (3-1) 1 (25-22, 24-26, 25-23)
Pool D
At Brackenridge
Brackenridge (2-8) 2, Corpus Christi Miller (0-3 ???) 0 (25-21, 25-16)
Medina Valley (5-3 ???) 2, Corpus Christi Miller (0-3 ???) 0 (25-11, 25-7)
Medina Valley (5-3 ???) 2, Brackenridge (2-8) 0 (25-16, 25-18)
Pool E
At Jefferson
Donna (3-1 ???) 2, Jefferson (12-2) 0 (25-18, 25-14)
Donna (3-1 ???) 2, Wagner (1-9) 1 (18-25, 25-18, 25-11)
Jefferson (12-2) 2, Wagner (1-9) 1 (25-13, 12-25, 25-14)
Gold Pool
At Alamo Convocation Center
McAllen (6-3 ???) 2, Holy Cross (10-2) 1 (25-22. 17-25, 25-23)
Medina Valley (5-3 ???) 2, Highlands (5-7) 0 (25-22, 25-9)
Holy Cross (10-2) 2, Donna (3-1 ???) 0 (25-22, 25-18)
Silver Pool
At Highlands Court 1
Southwest (6-7) 2, Southside (6-6) 0 (25-21, 25-21)
Schertz John Paul II (3-1) 2, Brackenridge (2-8) 0 (25-14, 26-24)
Southwest (6-7) 2, Jefferson (12-2) 0 (25-17, 25-23)
Bronze Pool
At Highlands Court 2
Young Women’s Leadership Academy (4-9 ???) 2, Eagle Pass Winn (5-7 ???) 1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-23)
South San (6-5 ???) 2, Corpus Christi Miller (0-3 ???) 0 (25-11, 25-14)
Wagner (1-9) 2, Eagle Pass Winn (5-7 ???) 1 (25-13, 20-25, 25-15)
Saturday’s matches
TAPPS 4-4A
TMI (2-2 ???, 1-0) 3, Laredo St. Augustine (7-3, 0-1) 0 (scores unavailable)
Non-district
Devine Arabian Round-up
Boerne 2, Lanier (4-9) 0 (25-5, 25-12)
Lanier (4-9) 2, Sabinal 0 (25-13, 25-13)
Brackettville 2, Lanier (4-9) 0 (26-24, 25-15)
Sam Houston (8-6) 2, Sabinal 0 (25-16, 25-14)
Cotulla 2, Sam Houston (8-6) 0 (27-25, 25-20)
Sam Houston (8-6) 2, FEAST 1 (22-25, 25-20, 25-18)
Dickinson Gator Classic
Brazoswood 2, East Central (5-10) 0 (25-16, 25-20)
Manvel 2, East Central (5-10) 1 (25-14, 25-27, 25-20)
Deer Park 2, East Central (5-10) 1 (25-18, 17-25, 25-19)
Jaguar Classic
At Floresville
Floresville JV 2, Memorial (2-14) 0 (25-22, 25-22)
Burbank (6-12) 2, Memorial (2-14) 0 (25-15, 25-12)
Burbank (6-12) 2, Floresville JV 1 (25-13, 22-25, 25-22)
Eagle Pass 2, Fox Tech (2-13) 0 (25-11, 25-11)
Hondo 2, Fox Tech (2-13) 0 (25-10, 25-12)
Lockhart 2, Fox Tech (2-13) 0 (25-7, 25-8)
Edison (4-10) 2, Burbank (6-12) 0 (25-13, 25-21)
Edison (4-10) 2, Floresville JV 0 (25-12, 25-10)
Edison (4-10) 2, Memorial (2-14) 0 (25-20, 25-12)
Harlandale (7-8) 2, Jay 1 (25-19, 14-25, 28-26)
Harlandale (7-8) 2, Randolph (7-7) 0 (25-17, 25-14)
Holmes 2, Harlandale (7-8) 0 (25-14, 25-6)
Laredo United 2, Harlandale (7-8) 1 (25-10, 23-25, 25-13)
Providence (9-7) 2, Edinburg North 0 (25-20, 14-25, 25-23)
Providence (9-7) 2, Randolph 0 (25-15, 25-16)
Holmes 2, Providence (9-7) 0 (25-12, 25-14)
Lockhart 2, Providence (9-7) 0 (25-16, 25-20)
NOTE: Providence finished fourth
SAISD Tournament
Gold Pool
At Alamo Convocation Center
McAllen (15-2) 2, Highlands (6-8) 0 (25-22, 25-6)
Medina Valley (5-3 ???) 2, Donna (14-5) 0 (26-24, 25-17)
Highlands (6-8) 2, Holy Cross (10-4) 0 (25-17, 26-24)
McAllen (15-2) 2, Donna (14-5) 0 (25-13, 25-19)
Medina Valley (7-4 ???) 2, Holy Cross (10-4) 1 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21)
Highlands (6-8) 2, Donna (14-5) 1 (25-14, 15-25, 25-20)
McAllen (15-2) 2, Medina Valley (7-4 ???) 0 (25-10, 25-19)
NOTE: McAllen wins pool
Silver Pool
At Highlands Court 1
Schertz John Paul II (5-2) 2, Southside (8-7) 1 (25-23, 16-25, 25-23)
Jefferson (13-4) 2, Brackenridge (2-11) 0 (25-14, 26-24)
Southwest (8-7) 2, Schertz John Paul II (5-2) 0 (25-11, 25-14)
Southside (8-7) 2, Jefferson (13-4) 1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-23)
Southwest (8-7) 2, Brackenridge (2-11) 0 (25-10, 25-15)
Schertz John Paul II (5-2) 2, Jefferson (13-4) 0 (25-10, 25-15)
Southside (8-7) 2, Brackenridge (2-11) 0 (25-10, 25-20)
NOTE: Southwest wins pool
Bronze Pool
At Highlands Court 2
South San (8-5) 2, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (5-12 ???) 0 (25-13, 25-11)
Wagner (3-10) 2, Corpus Christi Miller (0-6 ???) 0 (25-9, 25-17)
South San (8-5) 2, Eagle Pass Winn (6-8) 0 (25-18, 25-10)
Wagner (3-10) 2, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (5-12 ???) 0 (25-14, 25-21)
Eagle Pass Winn (6-8) 2, Corpus Christi Miller (0-6 ???) 0 (25-15, 25-16)
South San (8-5) 2, Wagner (3-10) 1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-13)
Young Women’s Leadership Academy (5-12 ???) 2, Corpus Christi Miller (0-6 ???) 0 (25-22, 25-19)
VOLLEYBALL: Area rankings (thru Aug. 17)
Through Aug. 17
TOP 15:
1. Holy Cross
2. East Central
3. Jefferson
4. Highlands
5. Southside
6. McCollum
7. Southwest
8. South San
9. Harlandale
10. Providence
11. Edison
12. Sam Houston
13. Burbank
14. Brackenridge
15. Lanier
VOLLEYBALL: Knights snare first tournament championship
Holy Cross wins first title in 7-year history; Harlandale takes fourth
AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Fox Tech, Harlandale, Holy Cross, Lanier, McCollum, Providence, Sam Houston, South San.
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:
Holy Cross’ Harlandale ISD Tournament championship Saturday was a new pinnacle in the seven-year history of the program.
Traditionally an all-boys school, Holy Cross opened its doors to girls seven years ago. To this point, the Knights’ softball team has set the standard for girls-sports excellence. With four straight-sets victories in the two-day tournament – including a 25-15, 25-21 win over Holmes in the title match – the Knights served notice they’re ready to share the glory.
“It helps a lot,” Knights senior captain Megan Hernandez said. “All the time, teams underestimate us. It shows we can play. Other people don’t expect much of us, they want to get us out quick.”
Sophomore Henrianna Ibarra added, “We’ve been working hard all summer. That helped us. Some teams don’t work that hard in the summer. Last year, we came so far. We can get even better this year.”
Holy Cross (5-1) began the season as a bit of a question mark, having graduated 2013 leaders Mallory Ozuna and Julia Ibarra, Henrianna’s sister. It was expected that the Knights would develop into a solid team, but not quite this soon.
“Our senior (setter Stella Ramirez) is doing a great job right now,” Holy Cross coach Ruben Calderon said. “She’s getting the ball to the right places at the right time, and that’s really what we needed.”
Harlandale (2-4) finished fourth in the 16-team tournament, falling 25-20, 25-22 to Del Rio (4-2) in Saturday’s third-place match. The young Indians played without two seniors, Erika Arredondo and Alicia Garcia, and a sophomore (Brittnie Cisneros) who is lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
“Brittnie was one of our subs, who stepped in and started for (Erika),” Harlandale coach Sylvia Cardenas said. “They’re making mental errors when it counts the most. That’s where our lack of experience comes in. Right now, we’re not there.”
Holy Cross
The Knights handed Holmes (5-1) its first loss, controlling the match throughout.
With strong defense, Holy Cross established a 16-7 lead in Game 1. After the Huskies closed to 20-15, Ibarra put it away with a five-point service run which included a kill from her and two from Victoria Gonzalez.
“We rely on our defense a lot,” Hernandez said. “We rely on our teammates being there (in position). We really work hard in practice, so when a team (makes a run), we stay strong.”
Another Ibarra kill, on an outside set from Ramirez (16 assists), provided the Knights with a 16-10 lead in Game 2. Holy Cross had a bit of a lapse and Holmes was within 20-18. Two kills in a three-point stretch from Ibarra put the Knights at match point, leading 24-21.
Gonzalez came up with a dig on the long final point, but it was a heroic dig by Ramirez as she headed toward the back line that sealed the deal. Daisy Flores led the Knights with 24 digs.
“We’re not very tall,” Calderon said. “We have no one taller than 5-foot-8. To even have a chance, we have to not let the ball hit the court. That last point was phenomenal. That was an excellent play”
On the tournament’s opening day, Holy Cross swept Medina Valley and Stevens, the consolation bracket champions.
Harlandale
Holy Cross defeated the Indians 25-18, 25-15 in the semifinals. Harlandale won both of its matches on Thursday, defeating Providence (4-2) 25-18, 25-22 and Eagle Pass 25-15, 27-25.
“I know they’re young and I have to be patient,” Cardenas said. “That’s what these matches are for – to work through the kinks.”
South San
The Bobcats (3-2) put together a big day, winning two early matches to reach the consolation championship match. There, Stevens downed South San 25-13, 26-24.
South San advanced with wins over Eagle Pass (25-13, 25-19) and St. Anthony (25-17, 25-17).
Sam Houston
The Hurricanes (5-2) defeated rival Brackenridge 26-24, 25-18 in the consolation third-place match after struggling against Lanier earlier Saturday.
“We did OK,” Sam Houston coach Courtney Davis said. “We just didn’t play up to the best of our ability.”
After losing their first two matches of its season Friday, Sam Houston held off Lanier for a 25-19, 18-25, 25-21.
“They took it as an eye opener,” Davis said of the losses.
Sam Houston only has four seniors on its roster, including Dajah Thomas, who hasn’t played volleyball since her freshman year. The leaders so far have been senior middle blocker Karisma Mitchell (6-1) and junior setter Rita Davis. Senior Tiaria Mackey should make bigger contributions as she recovers from an ACL injury.
“They don’t give up when the game gets tight,” Davis said. “They can be good if everybody pulls together.”
MORE TO COME
VOLLEYBALL: Highlands takes punch from Southside, regroups for win
Mitchan’s five kills in Game 5 help rescue Owls
AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Highlands, Southside.
Photo taken by KJ Toso. For more photos or to purchase photos, please visit: http://kjtoso.photoshelter.com
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Highlands-beats-Southside-in-five-sets-5696525.php
Someone from Highlands needed to take individual responsibility when Southside pushed the Owls to a fifth game in their season opener Aug. 13.
At least, that’s how Highlands junior Bryten Mitchan felt after the Cardinals rallied from a 2-0 deficit. Mitchan was more than willing to step forward and help the Owls (now 3-4) secure a 25-19, 25-21, 14-25, 17-25, 17-15 victory at Highlands.
“I wanted to get it in three (games),” she said. “We didn’t want to lose our first match of the season. We wanted to be 1-0.
“We wanted to come out strong, and we did. Then we worked together as a team to win.”
Mitchan blasted five kills in the decisive game alone. The last of her nine kills enabled Highlands to break a 15-15 tie against the energized Cardinals (4-4). Owls sophomore Kiara Pesina ended the marathon match on the next serve by delivering her third ace.
Southside also lost its opening match in five games, falling 20-25, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-13 to Providence Aug. 11. However, Soto said her team raised its game against Highlands.
“It was a very good match,” Southside coach Anna-Rosa Soto said. “We started off slow, but the girls pulled it through. We had first-match jitters against Providence. I also had two girls sitting out. One (Klaryssa Vela) came back today and the other will be back next week.”
The very real threat of losing its first 2014 match resonated with Highlands, as several players returned from the squad that began the season with an 0-10 record last year. One area that Owls coach Jaci Barrientes wanted to see her team improve on was its ability to finish close matches.
“That last game, (Southside) pushed us to the brink,” Barrientes said. “They pulled even at 14-14 and 15-15, but we were able to stay strong and pull it out – and that’s what I was hoping to see.
“In Games 3 and 4, we lost focus. I guess, maybe, we got a little overconfident. Our serve-receive fell apart, taking nothing away from Southside. They kept going at it.”
The Owls controlled the first two games behind the hitting of Jazmine Jackson (12 kills, 1.5 blocks).
Following a powerful kill from Jackson that gave Highlands a three-point lead, a pair of aces from Genesis Garcia gave the Owls a commanding 22-13 lead. Jackson put down another kill after the Cardinals cut the lead to four.
In Game 2, Southside sophomore setter Alyssa Gallardo (11 assists, 9 digs, 4 aces) tied it 20-20 with an ace. Two Southside errors and a pair of consecutive kills from Jackson put Highlands at game point and another finished the win. The junior produced six kills in the game.
Gallardo (11 assists, 9 digs, 4 aces) fueled the Cardinals’ comeback with her defense and serving. A kill from freshman Mia Soto (9 kills, 3 aces), the coach’s daughter, coupled with blocks from Ashley Sanchez (4 kills, 2 blocks) and Chloe Davis kept the pressure on the Owls.
Highlands also was harmed by five missed serves. The Owls missed 15 serves in the match, compared to Southside’s 13, but Highlands’ misses seemed to come at more inconvenient times.
“We had a ton of missed serves,” Barrientes said. “That didn’t help at all. It was the first match for our second setter (Jazlyn Losoya) and one of our hitters Samara, (Kennedy). Even with Jenelle (Rodriguez), it was the first time she was in that role.
“It was a lot of firsts, but we were able to find our way and figure it out.”
In Game 4, two straight kills from Soto gave the Cardinals the lead from the outset. Southside’s Tyler Bolton (7 assists, 5 digs, 3 aces) served back-to-back aces for a 10-5 lead. A back-row kill by the 5-foot Gallardo made it 16-8 in Game 4.
“Alyssa is my leader on the court. She and Analee have some of the best court awareness I’ve seen,” Coach Soto said, referring to Gallardo and libero Analee Uriegas (18 digs). “They’re sophomores, but they play like seniors.”
Two straight aces from Pesina slashed Southside’s lead to 16-11, but that was as close as Highlands came. A block by Soto evened the match at two games apiece.
“Mia made some big plays and had a Happy Birthday,” Anna-Rosa Soto said, referring to a ball left on the net for a kill. “We expect a lot more to come from her.
“Tyler is just a sophomore and its her first year on varsity. She has good court awareness, too, but more than that, it’s her relationship with her hitters. She works well with them.”
Before Game 5, Mitchan talked to Owls setter Analisa Garza (18 assists) about her availability.
“I told her, ‘If it’s a good pass, go to me,’ ” said Mitchan, who added 1.5 blocks. “Let’s get this kill. I put a lot of effort into my swing in the offseason. I wanted to make myself better.”
Highlands senior Emily Pearce contributed 18 digs.
“We had our growing pains and immaturity,” Barrientes said. “We want to use all our weapons, but we’ve got to get better at how to use them, and not change our mindset when we get down.”
Despite some first-match jitters that only kicked in when Southside stepped up its passing, nothing that happened in its opener endangered Highlands’ status as the clearcut favorite in District 28-5A.
“We’re going to get off to a phenomenal start and take it all the way to district,” Mitchan vowed. “I think we went into the season more confident. We’ve been working very hard.”
VOLLEYBALL WEEKEND REPORT: Jefferson sweeps its way to Edgewood ISD title
Southside rallies on final day of Wagner Tourney
AREA TEAMS INCLUDED: Burbank, East Central, Edison, Highlands, Jefferson, Kennedy, Memorial, Southside, Southwest, Young Women’s Leadership Academy.
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE SOUTHSIDE REPORTER WEBSITE:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/southside/article/Volleyball-roundup-5696527.php
Any concerns about Jefferson being decimated by heavy graduation losses have officially gone out the window.
The undefeated Mustangs (10-0) lost several key players to graduation including Melanie Ybarra, Courtney Garcia, Selena Garcia, Melanie Sheppard and Krystin Garcia after finishing third in District 28-4A. However, Jefferson adjusted to its losses without skipping a beat, evident by the fact that not only team won each of its first week matches without losing a game.
Jefferson defeated Jourdanton (4-4) 25-22, 25-17 Saturday at Edgewood Gym to complete an nine-match sweep to the Edgewood ISD Tournament.
The Mustands, led by senior standout Gabby Vasquez, defeated Jourdanton, Burbank (4-6) and Kennedy (2-6) each twice on their journey to the championship. They defeated Kennedy 25-13, 25-11 and Burbank 25-9, 25-14 Saturday.
Individual statistics for Jefferson were not available.
Burbank claimed each of its four wins in the tournament. The Bulldogs defeated Eagle Pass Winn 25-18, 25-23 and Kennedy 25-18, 25-20 on Thursday. On Friday, they defeated Memorial (2-6) in a tight match, 25-23, 25-19. Saturday’s win was a 25-27, 25-15, 25-22 decision over Young Women’s Leadership Academy (2-7).
Bulldogs sophomore Cory Sepulveda finished with eight kills and Rebekah Valma added six assists against Memorial. Valma led Burbank with seven assists against Kennedy. Senior Aponi Balderas posted a team-best six kills and Katherine Regalado chipped in with five digs.
Co-host Memorial defeated YWLA 25-20, 25-21 Thursday and Jourdanton in a 26-24, 25-23 nailbiter Friday.
Wagner Tournament
Scrappy Southside (4-4) made an impressive third-place showing at the Wagner Tournament, which took place over the weekend at Judson. The Cardinals won two of three matches on Saturday and had four wins in the two-day touranment, which they entered with a winless record.
The Cardinals began the tournament Friday with a resounding 25-15, 25-13 victory over host Wagner (0-6). After a loss to Goliad, which Southside later avenged, it edged Edison (1-5) in three sets. The Golden Bears won the first game 25-23, but the Cardinals prevailed by winning the next two 25-18, 25-7.
Southside began Saturday’s session with a 25-19, 25-21 win over Goliad (4-2). The Cardinals lost 25-21, 25-19 to eventual champion Judson (6-2), but finished with a three-set win against San Antonio Christian (2-5). Southside once again lost Game 1 (25-23), but closed with consecutive 25-21, 25-23 wins.
Highlands (3-4) also gained a bit of momentum on the final day, after losing three matches on Thursday.
The Owls lost only to Goliad in its first match on the final day, then went on to defeat District 28-5A rival Edison and San Antonio Christian. Highlands edged the Golden Bears 19-25, 25-17, 25-23 and San Antonio Christian 25-22, 26-24.
Highlands junior Jazmine Jackson had four kills against San Antonio Christian. Defensive leaders were sophomore Kiara Pesina (14 digs), Genesis Garcia (6) and Emily Pearce (5). Freshman Jazlyn Losoya dealt seven assists.
Against Edison, Jackson and junior Bryten Mitchan each pounded 12 kills. Pesina provided 26 digs and Pearce had 14. Analisa Garza led the Owls with 16 assists and Losoya was credited with 13. Edison statistics from the match were unavailable.
Edison claimed its only tournament win Friday. The Golden Bears defeated Wagner 26-24, 25-15.
No Southside statistics were available for the tournament.
Northside ISD Tournament
It was a rough weekend for East Central and Southwest (both 2-6) at the highly competitive tournament.
The District 28-6A rivals won one match apiece in the two-day tournament. East Central swept MacArthur (4-4) 25-18, 25-21 Friday. Southwest also won in two sets Saturday, defeating Pasadena Dobie 25-22, 25-18.
Southwest received five kills and five digs from junior Megan Hernandez against Dobie. Kassandra Cruz recorded a team-high six kills. Aashlyn Sulaica tracked down six digs. Angie Aguilar and Dori Martinez each distributed six assists.
Senior Brandi Campos supplied 11 digs for East Central in the MacArthur match. Nichole West came through with seven digs and four kills. Alex Pena led the Hornets with eight assists and Kaylin Mills dealt seven, to go with four kills. Freshman Skeyler Embry led East Central with five kills. Lindsey Lubianski contributed two blocks.
