Freshman volleyball sports spotless
3-0 record
Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Devine freshman volleyball coach Kara Stacy has her team off to a perfect 3-0 start to the 2024 season. With varsity tournaments taking the forefront early on, games have been hard to come by, but it quickly heats up as a home tournament and District 29-4A action will soon be upon the young Arabians.
“We definitely had to work out the nerves as we were getting our first games of the season officially in the books,” Stacy began. “We saw lots of great things in the opener against Southwest Legacy and I am proud of how the girls fought all the way to the end!”
Devine topped Legacy in a three-set thriller, winning the first game 25-21 before dropping the second game 25-20.
“We had to battle in the first set to come out on top but in the second set we struggled quite a bit on our side with unforced errors and miscommunication. We fought hard but could not finish off the set.”
The third set provided plenty of nail-biting moments as both teams gave their all in trying to get the first “W” of the season.
“Going into the third set, we knew it was going to be a battle and had to take it just one play at a time.”
It was a tight one as neither team was able to go on a solid run to create breathing room. Thankfully for Stacy and her crew, they were able to stay in the moment and make just the right amount of necessary plays to be able to celebrate at the end of 32-point third-set.
“We were able to stay focused and composed the entire game and come out with a big 17-15 win to take the match! It was such an exciting way to start off the season!”
Leading the team in kills was Sydney Solis with four while Leann Guemes and Peyton Dixon-Davis had three each. Assists leaders were Aaliyah Moralez with 5 and Gigi Madrid with 4. Peyton Dixon-Davis had one block, while Madrid and Madalyn Hester each had an ace.
Momentum from their opening win was on display the next night as Devine put the hurt on San Antonio Wagner with a two-set thumping of the Thunderbirds. The Arabians won set one easily 25-6 before coasting to a set two win 25-10.
“Coming off with a big win the night before, the girls came into this contest with a bit more confidence as we took control early by limiting our errors.”
Solis and Guemes each had two kills while Greeley Malone had a whopping 10 aces.
In their most recent game, Devine took the fight out of the Warriors from Ingram as they won easily 25-5, 25-10 to keep their undefeated record intact.
“After a good week off the court, the girls knew we needed to come out ready to play and to show little rust, which we did in our solid two-set victory.”
Solis once again led in kills, this time with seven followed by Guemes with three.
Madrid had seven assists while Moralez chipped in four. Hester led the team with eight aces while, Malone had six and Kenzie Ray five. Malone also had four digs.
2024 Roster
#2 Greeley Malone, #4 Kenzie Ray, #5 Gigi Madrid, #6 Sidney Solis, #8 Mackenzie Hennessey, #9 Aaliya Moralez, #10 Leann Guemes, #11 A’Dell Holder, #12 Peyton Dixon-Davis, #13 Addison DuBose, #15 Madalyn Hester.
Next serve
The freshman played in Crystal City Tuesday, August 27 and do not hit the court again until September 7 in the DSAC where they host their annual tournament.
Their last non-district match is in Navarro September 10 as District 29-4A begins action September 13 in Uvalde.