MISSION — Sharyland Pioneer has lost just seven district games in the past two years, going 21-7 during that span. One team, however, has held the Diamondbacks’ number those two years.
The McAllen Rowe Warriors entered Tuesday’s District 31-5A match against Sharyland Pioneer with a 4-0 mark over the Diamondbacks since 2020, sweeping their district rival during both their meetings last year.
Behind an offensive onslaught by senior outside hitter Mia Mata, the Warriors made it five straight district victories and third straight sweep over the Diamondbacks, defeating Sharyland Pioneer 25-10, 25-15, 25-12 on Tuesday at Sharyland Pioneer Gym.
“The girls were ready to go,” McAllen Rowe head coach Magda Canales said. “They’ve been talking about this game and opening up. Early in the season we set our goals, and they came out here tonight and played together.”
“The fact that Pioneer has always been a strong team brings something out,” Mata said. “We came into this game with a lot of confidence, knowing we swept them before, and we know we can keep doing it.”
The victory improves McAllen Rowe to 1-1 in district play. The Warriors return to action at noon Saturday on the road against PSJA Memorial. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks fall to 1-1. They continue district play at home against PSJA North at noon Saturday.
Mata powered the Warriors’ offense during the victory, coming up with timely kills to demoralize the Diamondbacks’ offense. She was complemented by middle hitter Brianna Sanchez, who came up with big blocks and added kills of her own.
Mata came up with eight kills during the match-clinching set, and Sanchez added several blocks, one kill and an ace in the third.
“They executed tonight and did a good job,” Canales said. “That combined with the help of the back row, digging and setting, they were all outstanding. They just played together.”
The Warriors headed into the contest looking to make a statement after dropping a five-set thriller to McAllen High during their district opener. They wasted little time doing so, jumping out to a 8-2 lead during the first and never looking back.
“After we finished that first set, we had a point to prove,” Mata said. “We could show everyone that we could do it.”
“Our game against McHi was an eye-opener for us. We learned about what we needed to work on, and we clicked together this game. I feel like we’re going to have such a good season. … We still have a long district ahead of us with a lot of tough teams. I feel like we still have to focus one game at a time and take it one point at a time.”
