LA FERIA — Over the past few years, the La Feria Lionettes have proven to be one of the top volleyball programs in the Valley.
The Lionettes have won the District 32-4A title two out of the last three years and are the reigning league champs. This season, the team has eight returning from last year’s group.
“Along with the winning comes the pressure,” said La Feria head coach Rebea Fraga. “Fortunately for us, we have plenty of time to get ready for district and figure out the X’s and O’s, and get the girls some more playing time and get them in game-like shape.”
With the new school year, means the post-Myah Salas era begins. Salas provided an all-around game for the Lionettes and now this year Fraga will have the task of replacing Salas with different girls playing different positions.
“Myah played all around; this year I have girls that specialize in both the front and back row,” Fraga said. “It is going to allow some girls to have more playing opportunities and we will see how it goes. So far everything is going good. The kids are excited to be back out here on the court.”
While eight players are retuning, only two of them – Sierra Salinas and Karina Diaz – return with starting experience.
Salinas, like Salas, provides La Feria with an all-around game, while Diaz returns at the setter position.
“I missed the girls on the team; it’s great to be back,” Salinas said. “This year I have to step up and be a leader, and help guide the younger girls. I need to make sure no one feels left out. I worked on my vertical (leap) over the summer. Now I can get up there; that is something I improved on over the summer.”
In addition to Salinas and Diaz, Natalie Gonzales, Kaylen Chapa and Mary Winton will all have a part in this season’s title defense.
“I think we’re off to a good start to the season,” Diaz said. “We had a bit of a rough summer league, but now we’re back together for the real season, and everyone is coming along and I have a good feeling about this year. Ever since I’ve been here, we win so there is some added pressure to win, but we know how to go about it, and we try and go out there and win every day and take it one game at a time.”
