By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
WESLACO—The San Benito Lady Greyhounds completed their volleyball season last week after earning another opportunity to compete in the Class 6A playoffs for a second consecutive year.
They went up against one of their most formidable opponents in the Weslaco Lady Panthers, which SB hasn’t beaten since 2023. This includes tournaments, non-district play, and bi-district the past two years.
But this latest setback came in the form of a 3-1 loss that SB Head Coach Ruby Medina looks at positively.
“We did have a strong team, and if everybody comes back and is healthy, we’ll have to do a lot more,” Coach Medina said. “If all that comes together and we’re able to find players to (replace our senior starters), we should be stronger.”
SB may have lost its last game, but the players gave it their all as 25-7, 25-13, 25-23, 23-25 scores would indicate.
Freshman Madelynn Mendoza had 13 kills, and juniors Annalise Rodriguez and Kalista Olivares added 10 and nine kills, respectively.
This trio of players recorded double digits in digs, as did seniors Camila Guajardo and Valeria Enriquez, with the latter recording a team-high 28. Enriquez also led SB with 33 assists.
The Lady ‘Hounds showed improvement even in their latest loss to Weslaco. By comparison, the Lady Panthers have swept the Lady ‘Hounds six of the nine times they have faced each other over the past four years.
Nevertheless, SB finished the season 19-18, while Weslaco’s record improved to 24-14.
DISTRICT FINALE/SENIOR FAREWELL
Heading into their district finale at home on the afternoon of October 24, the Lady ‘Hounds already had a playoff berth secured.
SB defeated the Lady Bears, 3-0, to even its District 32-6A record at 5-5.
Every player on the roster contributed, recording at least one kill, block, dig, or assist.
The event also gave the SB program an opportunity to recognize key players and thank the game officials from the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), who monitor every play on the court.
Medina and Assistant Coach Cynthia Wareham said the afternoon was emotional and that there was reason to celebrate.
Seven seniors were honored at a farewell after playing their last home game.
“Our amazing senior parents put together beautiful displays to celebrate our seven seniors who will graduate this year,” Coach Medina said.
They included Enriquez, Guajardo, Liennai Allen, Yadhira Hernandez, Jerali Maldonado, Allisson Mireles, and Jeslyn Rosalez.
Coach Wareham added: “These young ladies have been an integral part of our program. While we are incredibly proud of them, they will truly be missed.”
The coaches said the seniors created great memories, put in the hard work and dedication, and made an impact on the program.
One of those seniors, Enriquez, the team captain, also accomplished a great feat. She reached 1,000 assists and 500 digs in her career as a setter at SBHS.
Enriquez’s mother presented a banner in front of coaches and teammates, along with family and friends, to mark the occasion during the PSJA game.
“Since she’s been on my team, she has made a great impact and made a huge difference in our success, of course, with her as setter,” Coach Medina said. “She came a long way.”
Guajardo is another senior, Medina said, who will be missed as a libero.
“She was very coachable and worked well,” Medina said. “She always had a positive attitude that made our team better.”