PHARR — District 32-6A champion Harlingen South made a statement in its first UIL playoff match in program history by flying past Sharyland Pioneer 20-0 on Monday at the City of Pharr Natatorium. The Hawks move on to face San Antonio Legacy in the second round of the postseason.
“I wanted to continue to have teamwork and work on those breakaways and those passes because we have a big game coming up against a San Antonio team,” Harlingen South head coach Hector Castaneda Jr. said. “I really didn’t want to let up too much, because I needed to make sure my girls are ready and doing what we need to do. So when we get to the next game, we’re as ready as we can be.”
Mia Hinojosa led the Hawks’ offensive onslaught with eight goals, while teammate Isabela Pereda scored six.
“We played great in the water and were outstanding with communication. We played like one unit,” Hinojosa said.
South goalie Eliana Wainscott was instrumental in the victory as she didn’t allow one goal while dishing out multiple assists with pinpoint passing.
“I feel like we have the best goalie here in the Rio Grande Valley. She’s got a cannon of an arm and she can definitely pass to her teammates and block shots and all that good stuff,” Castaneda said.
Game details have yet to be determined for the next round.
“We’re trying to make it to the championship. We’re happy as can be just to get this opportunity,” Hinojosa said.
HARLINGEN HIGH 16, SHARYLAND HIGH 6: At Pharr, District 32-6A’s No. 2-seeded Cardinals and District 31-6A’s No. 3-seeded Rattlers were tied at 3-3 after one quarter. Then, Harlingen pulled away to punch its ticket to the area round.
Cardinals head coach Daniel Euresti credited defensive adjustments for his team creating space on the scoreboard after the opening seven minutes.
“We had some defensive holes. We made some adjustments and put some of our key people on some of their main people that were shooting and we were able to hold them,” he said.
Davina Gutierrez was in a groove offensively as she finished with a game-high 12 goals against the Rattlers.
“We were able to work really well together. We had three playing in the back, three playing in the front and it came out the way we wanted to with good goals,” Gutierrez said.
Harlingen will meet San Antonio Stevens in the area round of the playoffs. Match details are to be determined.
PSJA HIGH 18, MISSION HIGH 5: At Pharr, the Bears put on a defensive clinic to push past the Eagles and advance to the area round.
“I loved the way the girls came out with a defensive-minded approach. That led to multiple scoring opportunities,” PSJA head coach Pedro Saavedra said. “It’s been a great season. I think we started a little bit slow versus the Harlingen teams, but we’re playing our best water polo right now and it’s all because we’re playing team-ball.”
Kailey Vega led District 32-6A’s No. 3 seed PSJA High with 12 goals against 31-6A’s No. 2 seed Mission High.
“It’s important to turn defense into offense, especially on those fast breaks to turn around and sprint back to try and make those goals happen,” she said.
PSJA High awaits its area round playoff matchup.
MISSION VETERANS 16, PSJA MEMORIAL 3: At Pharr, the District 31-6A champion Patriots raced out to an 8-1 halftime lead en route to a 13-point victory over PSJA Memorial, the fourth seed from District 32-6A.
“They were a lot nervous coming into it, but once they started talking and seeing how fast they were compared to us, they did a really good job,” Mission Veterans head coach Melissa Reyna said. “I think Monika (Regalado), Belen (Aguirre), Sarah (Garcia), everybody did a great job. We just need to push it for the next game.”
Sarah Garcia led Mission Veterans with six assists and six goals, including a successful shot from near center pool to close the game. Belen Aguirre and Itzel Garcia scored four goals apiece. Goalie Monika Regalado tallied 17 saves.
“We pushed from beginning to end. I’m honestly surprised I got a half court shot — like wow, that’s crazy,” Garcia said. “I’m beyond happy for my team. We came such a long way and we won.”
The Patriots will face San Antonio Holmes in the area round. Match details are to be determined.
