Marble falls volleyball improves with every match
CAPTION: Junior libero Kenadi Dalton specializes in digs and passes to the setters. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
With a week left before the Marble Falls High School volleyball team begins District 24-4A play, the Lady Mustangs are using what’s left of their pre-district schedule productively.
Head coach Christopher Pace said the level of competition during this stretch is coming at the right time.
“We’ve had stretches where we haven’t maintained a certain level of play,” he said. “Sometimes things don’t always go your way.”
The Lady Mustangs (15-9) lost to Llano 17-25, 16-25, 18-25 Sept. 3. The Lady Jackets (13-5) were ranked in the first Class 3A poll of the season of the Texas Girls Coaches Association. Llano features senior Amelia Robinson, who committed to play for Georgia Southern University. Robinson recorded about 25 kills in the match.
“Llano has their stud,” Pace said. “Llano is competitive – they’re tough.”
Marble Falls traveled to Llano after participating in the Academy Lady Bee Classic hosted by Little River Academy Aug. 29 and 31.
The Lady Mustangs went 2-3 at the tournament thanks to beating Milano and Thorndale in straight sets and losing to Thrall and the hosts in two matches.
The tournament also had district foes Burnet, Georgetown Gateway and Salado. Marble Falls was able to watch them play.
“It was a talented tournament,” Pace said. “I can’t think of a varsity team that was bad. Thrall is always very good. Thrall has a few good hitters.”
As for the losses, he noted the Lady Mustangs had opportunities but didn’t adjust quick enough.
“Playing the teams we’ve played shows us where we’re at and what we need to work on,” the coach said. “We had some low points. I always think the highs outweigh the lows.”
After playing 24 matches, Pace believes his players are physically able to take on the challenges of a crucial stretch that starts against Burnet Sept. 13 in the district opener.
“They hit their peak,” he said. “Their bodies are fully adjusted. I do think we’re a little tired. I think we’ve had our stretches of greatness and our stretches of struggles.”
Marble Falls welcomes Austin Achieve Friday, Sept. 6, with the first match at 5:30 p.m. and Fredericksburg Tuesday, Sept. 10., with the subvarsities playing at 5 p.m. and the varsity to follow.
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