By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past Saturday, September 20 the PIECHS Lady Tarpons volleyball team took on the Zapata Lady Hawks in their last non-district matchup.
The Lady Tarpons got off to a slow start in the first set as they saw themselves down 6-1 early in the set. The Lady Tarpons kept fighting back to cut down their lead to 12-9, then 18-16, and even took a 23-22 lead near the end of the set. Unfortunately, Zapata outlasted Port Isabel and won the first set 27-25.
The second set saw Zapata pull away 4-1 similarly to the first set. But PI responded quicker as a spike by sophomore Emma Shukitt cut Zapata’s lead down to 6-4. Zapata then went on a 4-0 run forcing PI to call a timeout with Zapata now leading 10-4.
As play resumed, a block by Nadia Flaig gave the Lady Tarpons possession. PI then proceeded to cut down Zapata’s lead down to 11-8 with Precious Vasquez serving the ball. The match continued to be very competitive as Zapata’s lead dwindled down to 17-15.
Zapata was facing a game point situation with a 24-19 lead, but PI refused to give up and regained possession after a long rally. Unfortunately, Zapata outlasted PI and won the second set 25-21.
In the third set, PI got off to their best start yet as they jumped out to a 6-2 lead. Zapata fought back, but still trailed 8-6. Midway into the set, PI still was holding on to their 15-13 lead.
The match continued to be ultra-competitive. A spike by Shukitt gave PI a 21-16 lead. PI then added two more points with Isabella Ochoa serving the ball including an “ace” by Ochoa.
Up 23-19, a hit by Layla Mata gave PI the possession. Facing their first game point, PI’s Arianna Garcia served the ball. It was returned by Zapata, but PI’s Vasquez found a hole the Lady Hawks defense for the point. PI won the third set 25-19.
Unfortunately, Zapata went on to win the fourth set 25-16, winning the best 3-out-5 match.
The Lady Tarpons opened up district play with a 3-1 loss against La Feria on Tuesday. The Lady Tarpons are looking to rebound next Tuesday when they take on the visiting La Grulla Lady Gators at 6:30 p.m.
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