After dropping the game 0–3 against Crystal City, the Lady Mustangs won their last pre-district game against Pearsall on Friday night. Playing at home against Pearsall, Natalia won their first set 25-21. Pearsall struggled in the second losing 10-25 but came back strong in the third. Natalia lost the third set 21-25 and then had to fight hard to win the fourth in order to seal the game. They beat Pearsall 25-23. This close match against a tough school helped prove they are ready to win district this year.
“Crystal City is a decent team with a lot of versatility. It is good for us to play teams like that in preseason. We are always looking to make ourselves better, and what better way to do it than with tough competition.
Beating Pearsall was something we needed. It’s been a while since we got a W. We needed to see that we can finish regardless of circumstances throughout the game. At one point we were down by 6 points and were able to dig out of a hole to come back and win. Mental toughness and 100% effort every play is something we preach and pride ourselves on. Our Lady Mustangs did just that to finish Friday with a nice win. We are ready to jump into district and compete for playoffs,” said Coach Tamara Bednorz.
“We open out district season this Tuesday at Dilley. Our team motto has been ‘All In.’ So we are all in and challenging each other to get after every ball and to not be satisfied. We are trying to view every practice as an opportunity to get better both as individuals and as a team. Out focus has been to be more aggressive offensively but we also know we will have to defend quite a bit against some solid hitters as we head into district,” said Coach Tara Cortinas.
Kills: Trista Vera 6, Angelica Padilla 5. Assists: Bailey Boucher 5, Bryanna Perez 4. Digs: Christina Fulton 7, Hailey Manka 4. Aces: Angelina Zapata 6, Perez 4, Manka 4.
Natalia played their first district game against Dilley last night and will host Jourdanton Friday night.
By Dicy Chambers
Sports Writer