By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
While Del Rio’s success on the volleyball eluded them during district play, several of its players were recognized for the work they put in on the court and in the classroom.
Eight Queens were honored with spots on the District 30-6A All-District and All-Academic teams. Del Rio finished with just one win in district play, but five players were recognized for their play and the Queens placed five on the All-Academic team.
Senior Kailani Goodspeed was Del Rio’s lone representative on the first team. The only member of the Queens to earn all-district honors last season, as she was an honorable mention selection, Goodspeed was one of the Queens leaders this season both at the service line and as a defender at the net. Goodspeed’s size allowed her to deliver a powerful kill when needed, and her experience was essential for the younger players on the team.
Seniors Tatum Koehler and Bertha Faz were each named to the all-district second team.
Koehler was one of the Queens’ more prolific players from the service line. With impeccable aim and precision, she kept opposing teams guessing and often gave Queens the advantage early in the match or helped put them back in the thick of things late.
Faz was another of Del Rio’s strong all-around players. Capable of playing at various positions, Faz was invaluable no matter where she played. She was strongest at the net as one of Del Rio’s front line players, able to match-up with most players across the net from her.Senior and
Senior Belinda Torres and sophomore Angela Mijares were named as all-district honorable mention selections.
Torres was another of Del Rio’s solid setters, a valuable asset to the hard hitters that roamed the Queens’ front line. She shared those duties with other teammates, mainly Iva Garabedian, but she was also unafraid to man the back line as needed.
Mijares served as the Queens’ libero for part of the season before a lower body injury sidelined her for a few matches. Despite the injury, she never thought twice of sacrificing her body to make a dig no matter the situation. She did return before the end of the season and was able to contribute down the stretch.
Five Queens were named to the district’s All-Academic team. They were Carlamarina Fuentes, Garabedian, Goodspeed, Liliana Hajek and Koehler.
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