By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
On Saturday, Oct. 5 the Port Isabel Lady Tarpons took on the visiting Hidalgo Lady Pirates in a district game. Hidalgo entered the season as the two-time defending district champions, so this was a pivotal game for Port Isabel.
In the first set, Hidalgo flexed their muscles, outplaying Port Isabel to the tune of 24-16. The Lady Tarpons regrouped and played a much closer game in the second set, but eventually lost it, 25-21.
As the third set got underway, the Lady Tarpons grew more confident in their play.
Down 2-1, PI’s Desiree Vidaurri made several defensive digs to keep the play alive. After getting the ball back after a long rally, freshman, Layla Mata gave PI a 5-2 lead by serving two Aces towards the back corner.
With Mata still serving, junior, Nadia Flaig made a big-time spike that was unreturnable by the Lady Pirates as PI extended their lead to 6-2.
Hidalgo got the ball back on a serving error, but made their own serving error soon after to make it a 7-4 game. The Lady Pirates got the ball back and went on a four-point run to tie the set at 8-8, forcing PI to call a time-out.
The teams went back and forth trading points as the game was now tied at 10-10. With PI’s Vidaurri serving and with the great defensive play of the Lady Tarpons, PI managed to go on five-point run as they jumped out to a 15-10 lead.
The teams continued to battle, but PI still maintained their lead as the game was nearing the end.
Leading 23-18, PI’s Esmeralda Montoya aced her first serve to give PI the game point. As Hidalgo returned the following serve, PI’s Precious Vasquez jumped up at the net and hit the ball right behind the defender for the score as the Lady Tarpons took the third set 25-18.
The Lady Tarpons entered the fourth set booming with confidence after winning the third set. As the fourth set got underway, Hidalgo jumped out to 9-5 lead. In a fiercely competitive game, the Lady Tarpons came roaring back from being down early and edged out the Lady Pirates 27-25. The series was now tied at 2-2.
The Lady Tarpons carried their momentum into the final game as they jumped out to 8-0 run with Kymberlie Estrada serving. Hidalgo fought back but Port Isabel closed out the set 15-10 and won the 3-of-5 series.
The Lady Tarpons next game will be on Saturday, Oct. 12 as they go on the road to take on La Feria at 2 p.m.
Comments