By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
On Tuesday, September 16, the 4A Port Isabel ECHS Lady Tarpons faced off the 6A Los Fresnos Lady Falcons in a non-district match. The Lady Tarpons entered the match having lost to 6A Brownsville Hanna 3-0, while the Lady Falcons were coming off a 3-1 win over 6A Edinburg.
As the first set got underway, the Lady Tarpons struck first with Kimberlie Estrada serving. The teams then started to trade points. Port Isabel built a small 6-3 lead with Ashley Wright serving, but then Los Fresnos fought back to take a 9-6 lead.
The Lady Tarpons stopped their run, but would soon turn the ball over. It was rinse and repeat as Los Fresnos built a 16-10 lead and started to pull away slowly.
The Lady Tarpons continued to struggle returning the ball forcing Port Isabel to call a timeout with Los Fresnos leading 20-11.
Down 22-11, PI’s Emma Shukitt spiked ball gave PI the possession. Unfortunately, the Lady Tarpons comeback was short-lived though as the Lady Falcons closed out the first set 25-13.
Los Fresnos then won the next two sets 25-8 and 25-13 to win the best 3-out-of-5 series. Los Fresnos was a tough matchup, but facing tough competition during their non-district stretch should benefit the team when district games begin.
“The team collectively has played some very tough opponents such as Stephenville, Calallen, Los Fresnos, Cuero, Brownsville Pace just to name a few. Our team doesn’t play club or year-round volleyball and we do our very best to just compete.” Stated head coach Johvonne Howard. “We pride ourselves in our work ethic in the weightroom and on the court. This confidence helps us compete with those types of teams. We try to work on a couple goals and keep striving where we are at. This team is ready. Ready for the challenge and ready to win.”
The Lady Tarpons will be on the road this Saturday, September 20 when they take on Zapata at 2pm. The team will then begin district play with a home game against La Feria on September 23 at 6:30 p.m.
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