Marble Falls volleyball: win and we’re in
CAPTION: Mia Trejo is one of two seniors trying to get the Lady Mustangs back to the playoffs for the first time in several years. Photos by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
The Marble Falls High School volleyball team is taking aim at the final three matches of the regular season where the task comes down to this.
Win the final three matches and the Lady Mustangs advance to the playoffs because they control their own destiny.
Standing in the way are opponents that are equally motivated to get a win before their seasons end starting with Lampasas, which visits Max Copeland Gym at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22.
After that, the Lady Mustangs (19-16, 3-6) travel to Taylor Friday, Oct. 25, for a 6 p.m. contest before returning to the Max to host Jarrell Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Currently Jarrell (19-16, 4-5) is in fourth place after sweeping Lampasas and Taylor. But the Lady Cougars must play at Burnet (19-15, 7-3) Tuesday, Oct. 22, then host Georgetown Gateway (24-5, 7-2). Burnet is currently third and Gateway is second in the district standings behind Salado (33-6, 10-0).
“If we can win our next three matches, no questions asked we’re in as the fourth seed,” Marble Falls head coach Christopher Pace said.
Because Marble Falls defeated Jarrell 3-1 in the first round, the Lady Mustangs currently hold the first tiebreaker, which is head-to-head outcomes. Because of how close Gateway, Burnet, Jarrell and Marble Falls are in the standings, each team is galvanized to finish the regular season strong.
The Lady Mustangs are on a three-match losing streak after falling to Salado Oct. 18, Gateway Oct. 11 and Burnet Oct. 8 in three sets apiece.
“We struggled against Burnet,” Pace said. “We played Gateway fairly well. I don’t think we played Salado poorly. The scores (13-25, 10-25, 8-25) look poor. (The Lady Eagles) played phenomenal. Everything is working for them. Salado was on fire. They had the big five-set win against Gateway (Oct. 15). They’re riding high. ”
Still, Pace saw some positives against Salado that he believes will serve the Lady Mustangs well.
“For the first time this year, our players were able to see the defensive hole and attack it,” he said. “We could have passed and blocked better. I don’t think we did anything poorly. They are ranked No. 6 in the state.”
Another positive? The Lady Mustangs are understanding the why behind what they’re doing, especially when it comes to choosing which type of hit to use to end a rally. Take big swings? Or use directional tips and dinks to keep the defense guessing?
“The girls are being purposeful with court movement,” Pace said. “They’re seeing what’s open. My assistant coaches are doing a great job of seeing what’s open. The girls are asking what’s open. Then they’re attacking it.”
And finally, Pace said they are using multiple Lady Mustangs during each match. He has been pleased with the progress, especially from the defensive specialists.
“In our back row, we have depth. I think we have girls who can play,” he said. “In our front row we have versatility. I can mix them all up and use them as I need to. We’re athletic. As athletic as we are, we are versatile. We need them to be ready. They’re all showing good moments in every match. We’re going to continue to build on what we started.”
The ride home from Salado Oct. 18 was lively, the coach said. Instead of the Lady Mustangs being quiet, Pace could hear conversations. Varsity assistant coach Tyler Porter reminded them the next three matches required the players to “stay focused and ready.”
“A couple of them said we’re not losing the next three,” Pace recalled hearing. “They know what’s at stake, what we have to do. They believe they’re groomed to do that. I think they were excited to get this stretch (of the district schedule) out of the way. The scores showed that against Burnet and Gateway, we played better. Our girls are confident and ready.”
CAPTION: Freshman hitter Brighton Bernard contributes wherever she is needed. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
