By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s hopes for a return to the high school volleyball playoffs are still alive as the second half of district play begins this week.
After opening play in District 30-6A with wins over Laredo LBJ and Laredo United South, the Queens dropped three straight to close out the first half of play. Their latest loss was a four-set defeat to rival Eagle Pass High on Saturday.
The Queens dropped the first set, 25-16, but battled back to even things with a 25-17 win in the second set. Eagle Pass regrouped and took the third set, 25-23, before closing out the match with a 25-22 win in the fourth set.
Karolina Alderete led the team with 18 kills while Kylie Ramirez had 11 and Yuri Muñiz had six. Syann Casillas had a team-high 20 assists. Angela Mijares led the team with 20 digs as Alderete and Casillas each had 13. Ramirez was the team’s top blocker with three.
Eagle Pass’ win was the its first of the district schedule and created a three-way battle for fourth place.
Laredo United moved into sole possession of first place with a three-set win over Laredo Alexander Saturday. The Lady Longhorns (5-0) took down the Lady Bulldogs (4-1) 25-19, 25-17, 25-18 in front a packed gym. According to the Laredo Morning Times, the game sold out in 10 minutes and no tickets were available at the door.
Laredo United South (1-4) also earned its district win Saturday with a 3-1 win over Laredo LBJ (1-4). South won 25-21, 25-23, 20-25, 25-17.
With five matches left to play, United has already clinched a playoff spot. Alexander can join them with a win in its next match. Del Rio has a one-match lead over the trio of Eagle Pass, United South and LBJ and needs to win at least two of their next five matches to clinch a playoff berth.
Del Rio returns to action Tuesday night when they host the Laredo LBJ Lady Wolves at 7 p.m. at the Carl P. Guys Memorial Gymnasium. The Queens beat the Wolves in three sets Sept. 24 to open district play.
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