Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Devine laid it all on the line in Floresville last Friday night but could not come up with a victory as the Tigerettes handed the Arabians their first defeat in District 29-4A action. The Arabians had breezed through their initial league competition leading up to the first-place showdown with Floresville.
The Arabians overall record was 24-14 and 5-1 in league action prior to Tuesday’s tilt against Uvalde that started the second round of action. Devine torched the Lobos in straight sets September 8.
Devine went 1-1 last week as they defeated the Lady Mavs but lost their first district game against the favored Floresville Jaguars.
“We started slow in the first set against Pearsall but picked up our pace in the second set,” said Head Coach Leigh Anne McIver. “We are still working on limiting our errors and we did a better job in the second set on limiting them.”
Devine won 25-14, 25-5, 25-11.
In dominating games like these, sometimes high school kids lose a little focus but Devine did not lose it for long as they made quick work of the Lady Mavs.
“I thought everyone stepped in and did their job against Pearsall.”
Floresville was the matchup the Arabians had been looking forward to for quite some time. Unfortunately, the night did not pan out the way Devine would have liked but they do get another shot at the district front runners in the last game prior to the state playoffs.
“We had a very off night for passing which caused us to be out of system a lot and not able to be productive offensively. The third set we were in system a little more and we were more successful offensively.”
The Arabians went down 25-13, 25-16, 25-21, showing they gained some confidence and never gave up the good fight as the sets progressed.
Off nights happen, without a doubt. Even in defeat, McIver was able to see some silver linings.
“Our blocking on the right side really stepped up and we were able to limit their outside hitters,” McIver said in closing.
Pearsall stats
Kills Rylee Esquibel 10, Brooklyn Miller 9, Maddie DuBose 2, Airyanna Rodriguez 1, Aimee Carr 1, Sklyer Blanton 1 Aces Esquibel 2, Kynedie Cruz 2, Miller 2, Kate Featherly 2 Blocks DuBose 3, Blanton 1, Carr 1, Esquibel 1 Digs Kelsey Dishman 7, Esquibel 4, Cruz 2, Miller 2, DuBose 1 Assists Cruz 14, Featherly 9, Dishman 1.
Floresville stats
Kills M. DuBose 5, Miller 5, Rodriguez 4, Brooke Thompson 3, Esquibel 2 Aces Esquibel 1, Miller 1, Featherly 1 Blocks Rodriguez 2, Blanton 1 Digs Cruz 8, Miller 7, Dishman 6, Rodriguez 6, Featherly 6, Esquibel 4, M. DuBose 1 Assists Cruz 10, Featherly 6, Dishman 2, Esquibel 1.