(Port Isabel Varsity team defeats Hidalgo 3-1. October, 10, 2026. Picture by PIISD)
By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past Saturday, Oct. 10 the PIECHS Lady Tarpons hosted the Hidalgo Lady Pirates in district matchup. The Lady Tarpons are entering the match on a high note after beating Brownsville Jubilee this past Tuesday, Oct. 6.
As the match got underway, the Lady Tarpons were clicking on all cylinders, jumping out to a strong start and capturing the first two sets with convincing 25-8 and 25-16 victories.
With their backs against the wall, the Lady Pirates dug deep and battled back to secure a hard-fought 25-23 victory winning the third set.
The fourth set picked up where the previous set left off, with both teams trading points as they battled for control.
Leading 3-2, PI’s Maria Vasquez stepped up to the serving line and sparked a 6-0 run as Hidalgo struggled to return the ball. The scoring surge forced the Lady Pirates to call a timeout with the Lady Tarpons holding a 9-2 lead.
Also noteworthy during the streak were a pair of powerful spikes by Layla Mata and Ashlyn Wright, who have been playing exceptionally well at the net.
Following the timeout, Hidalgo managed to stop PI’s run, and the two teams traded points for the next couple of serves.
Leading 11-5, Port Isabel regained possession following another hard-hitting spike by Mata. With Wright serving at the line, the Lady Tarpons put together another scoring run, extending their lead to 15-5.
Holding a 19-7 advantage, the Lady Tarpons once again regained possession behind a nice offensive rally.
With Isabel “Izzy” Ochoa serving at the line, Port Isabel went on a 5-0 run as Hidalgo struggled to return Ochoa’s laser-beam shots, including a powerful Ace.
Hidalgo managed to survive PI’s first match-point opportunity, but their resistance proved short-lived. A few plays later, Mata delivered another thunderous spike to seal the set and secure a 25-9 victory for the Lady Tarpons.
The Lady Tarpons return to action this Saturday, Oct. 17, when they host Laredo Harmony School of Excellence in their final home game, game starts at 1 p.m. They will then observe a bye on Tuesday, followed by their last regular season match the Lionettes at La Feria on Saturday, Oct. 24., at 1 p.m.