SAN BENITO — The San Benito Lady Greyhounds have their sights on another postseason berth and are poised to be in the running for the 2017 District 32-6A volleyball title.
The Lady Hounds have a bevy of talent returning from last year’s team and are determined to hurdle the bi-district round after back-to-back first-round exits.
“The kids are excited to be back. We have a lot of kids back from last year,” said Lady Hounds coach Ruby Medina. “We did lose some girls from the back row to graduation, but our hitters will be strong this season.”
San Benito returns seven players from 2016 including defensive specialist Sarah Garcia, setter Ariel Garcia, and outside hitters Kayleen Reyes, Crystal Ibarra, Devany Castillo and Alysa Naranjo. Middle blocker Arlene Lucero will also be a key factor for the ladies in purple.
“It’s fun, but sad that this is my last year,” said Reyes. “The team is coming together. We did lose some girls, but we have a lot coming back. I feel we have a lot to offer offensively. Myself and the girls are ready to pick up the slack and step up.”
The Lady Hounds have clinched a playoff berth three times in the last five years, but they are aiming to get past the bi-district round for the first time since the 2011 season when they beat Edinburg High. The last two seasons, San Benito fell to Edinburg North in 2015 and Edinburg High in 2016 both in round one.
Medina is in her 15th season as head volleyball coach at San Benito and sees the potential in this year’s team.
“We’re getting our rotation together and seeing what works,” she said. We have a scrimmage today so our priority right now is to prepare for it.
“The last two years we were unlucky with kids getting injured, but outside of that we have been fine. I’m hoping we can stay healthy and make a run in the playoffs along with winning a district title.”
