Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine volleyball head coach Leigh Anne McIver and her squad went through a rough patch last week as they went 2-4 over that period of time, picking up their two wins over Three Rivers and Natalia in their home tournament.
McIver and the Arabians were in “puzzle-making mode” as they had to mix in a couple of new players with their existing group as injuries sidelined more than one starter at various times.
Preseason and tournament games lay the foundation for the rest of the season, and with their third and final tourney of the season this weekend in Seguin and their final two preseason games against McMullen and Navarro, the time is now for the kinks to be ironed out and Devine to begin its usual march toward a district championship.
Arabian Roundup round-up
Devine advanced to the Championship Bracket of their host tournament last weekend as they went 2-1 in pool play as they defeated Three Rivers 2-0 (25-15, 25-23) and Natalia 2-1 (28-26, 18-25, 25-23) before dropping their final game 0-2 (22-25, 26-28) to San Antonio Veteran’s Memorial.
The top side of the bracket proved a bit too challenging as far as getting to the championship match, but the competition and experience gained outweighs the negatives as this portion of the season-schedule is about preparing for a run at the District 29-4A title.
The Arabians dropped their first game Saturday to Hondo 0-2 (20-25, 19-25) then followed with two-set loss to Pleasanton (17-25, 18-25).
Ingram defeated Veteran’s Memorial for the Championship 2-0 (25-23, 25-18).
All-Tournament Honors
MVP Alec Alvarado of Ingram All-Tournament Austyn Hennigan and Ava Demasco of Ingram, Cameron Danaher and Maiya Henry of Veteran’s Memorial, Araceli Fernandez of Hondo, Shyniece Davis of SA Jay, Brisais Pickett of Pleasanton, Isabell Tapia of Crystal City.
Season stat leaders
Blocks Maddie DuBose 16, Skylar Blanton 8, Brooke Thompson 7, Aces Airyanna Rodriguez 24, Kynedie Cruz 12, Charlee Rangel 9, Digs Rangel 151, Bella Flores 104, Rodriguez 98, Kills Flores 117, Rodriguez 108, Blanton 40 Assists Cruz 264, Rangel 19, Rodriguez 4.