By EDWARD SEVERN, Special to RGVSports.com
LA FERIA — The La Feria Lionettes volleyball team defeated the Weslaco East Lady Wildcats 25-20, 25-15, 26-24 during a non-district home game Tuesday night.
Seniors Alani Garza and Angelina Lopez were pivotal in holding off the Lady Wildcats during all three sets. Garza was all over the court all night and won points with her kills, blocks and serving.
Garza never left the game and was constantly leading. Her defense in the libero role was great, too, leading to many digs that ended up in opportunities for her teammates.
“I like the role for my team because I worked hard for it. I would like the girls to look up to me with my hard work. I love communicating and being honest with them,” Garza said about her role for the Lionettes.
The Lionettes jumped on the Lady Wildcats early in the first set 11-2, but East rallied to make it close, cutting the lead to four at one point. It was not enough, and La Feria won the first set 25-20.
The second set was all Lionettes early as well. They jumped out to a 17-4 lead on the Lady Wildcats, and, again, East clawed its way back into the game.
Lopez was an assist machine and was constantly looking to set up teammates Allison Rosales, Mariah Pattan, Diana Zuniga and Lillian Martinez on the outside. Garza and Trevino were also benefactors of Lopez’s service.
Another Lopez assist, this time to Angelina Trevino, finished off the second set for La Feria, 25-15. Trevino was great for La Feria around the net during the second set, winning multiple points off of blocks and kills.
Lopez embraced her role for her team as well.
“Yes, I love assisting my teammates and getting assists,” she said.
East put up a strong fight during the third set, led by Kimberlee Quintanilla, Alexis Llanos, Micaela Perales, Valeria Juarez, Ambrosia Pena and Bianca Larraga. They opened up a big seven-point lead on La Feria.
The Lionettes slowly cut into the lead and tied the game at 24. Garza, Lopez, Pattan, Rosales and Zuniga all came up big during the third set to finish off the Lady Wildcats 26-24.
On Saturday, the Lionettes will face Brownsville Lopez at home, and the Lady Wildcats will play host to PSJA Memorial.
