Advosports

Maybe they were too evenly matched.

Size, skill nor varsity success hardly separated the two teams in Tuesday's third annual Area All-Star volleyball game.

The maroon team pulled out a 16-25, 14-25, 25-13, 25-17, 17-15 victory in a match that illustrated the determination, defensive dedication and enthusiasm that made the 24 players from both sides some of the best players in the Crossroads this fall.

No school had more players than the four that represented Victoria West. Nevertheless, the fluctuating lead in the final game exhibited that middle hitters from smaller schools like Goliad's Kaitlyn Bleier or Shiner St. Paul's Marissa Ynclan were not overawed.

Ynclan, the Cardinals middle hitter, found the experience awesome because despite a few practices both teams meshed well, and took that attitude to the court Tuesday.

"The amount of talent they have is fun," Ynclan said. "All the girls were in beast mode status. When they get a kill it's very exciting. .If you are a great player you are going to be a great player whether you are in TAPPS or UIL."

Ynclan was a basketball player. She laughed recalling that back in elementary school volleyball wasn't her sport but St. Paul coach Dana Beal made the sport enough fun that she came to enjoy it.

Fun was a word that was thrown around frequently Tuesday night at Victoria College.

"I love the sport with all my heart," said Bleier, who accepted a volleyball scholarship at Houston Baptist University. "No matter who I am playing with, or against, it's a great rush to play and pull out a win."

Bleier let out a quick laugh when her serve at 14-13 in the fifth game, allowed the white team to tie the match. St. Joseph's Kate Tucker sometimes stuck her tongue out when setting or attacking the ball. West's Brooke Smith grinned when her kill for the white team landed inches in front of varsity teammate Jordan Fedorchak, who was on the maroon squad.

There were other moments of levity throughout the night, including half of the antics of Calhoun outside hitter Sage Sexton.

Outside of varsity teammate and good friend Lanna Gonzales Bleier knew a handful of players from both the maroon and white teams because they played together in the Weimar-based Texstar Volleyball club. However, she did not know Sexton and relished an opportunity to finally play with her.

"We've played each other for a long time," said Bleier, who was on the victorious maroon team. "I never got to play with her, I always played against her. She's a great player and a great person."

Friendships may have been formed, or further developed, but the participants were not selected solely for their camaraderie. They are good volleyball players, whose competitiveness and defensive determination exudes each time they take the court.

"Since we only take seniors some schools have less than others," said Victoria College volleyball and basketball coach Josh Moore, the person who selected both teams. "When I watched them (I chose) the players with a lot of heart and hustle.

"You could see it tonight in game 5. That's what makes them All-Stars, their heart and hustle."

• Print
• •
• Share
  • Share this item

    Send this to a friend

  • Grab the link

    Copy and paste the link:

  • Blog about it

    Blog about this page.

  • Close
• •
• Comment