By Randy Stevens
Sports Editor
San Marcos —
The San Marcos Lady Rattlers came extremely close to winning their own tournament this past weekend, falling short in the championship match of the CenturyLink Ragin’ Rattler Classic.
The Lady Rattlers went 3-0 in pool play Thursday before winning their first two games in bracket play with victories over Pflugerville-Connally and Columbus to advance to the title game against Dallas-Northwest. SMHS put forth a valiant effort but came up short in the title game, losing 25-21.
“I was extremely proud of this team, we really played together and aggressive,” SMHS head volleyball coach Michelle Moreno said. “Unfortunately we lost in the title game, but we learned a lot from it and I'm confident we are going to continue to improve and be ready for the upcoming games.”
Maggie Breed led the Rattler attack with five kills while Jordan Carswell came through with five kills.
Ally Bryant came through with three service aces, while Lizzie Brown led the back-court defense with seven digs.
Birdie Schneider also played well on defense with six digs.
Madelyn Swinney was the top defensive performer up front with three blocks, while Carswell quarterback the SMHS offense with 10 assists.
Moreno said it was a team effort that helped the Lady Rattlers go 5-1 in the tournament, upping their overall record to 14-9.
“I want all of our players to be recognized because everyone contributed to this weekend's success,” Moreno said. “Delaney, Maggie, Madelyn, and Jordan were so aggressive at the net defensively; and Savanna Tate, Amanda Hunt and Katy Meyer stepped in and got a few of their own. Offensively, I felt our passers, Birdie, Allie Bryant, and Lizzie Brown passed very consistently and our setters, Jordan and Ali (Gonzales) ran the court well.
“I am also very pleased with our reserves Paula Stover, Rosalind McKinney and Madison McCoog coming when called upon and completing the task in their moments.”
The Lady Rattlers are back in action Tuesday night with a 6:30 p.m. game at Pflugerville-Hendrickson.
