Lionettes in a Week: Poundfest Recap and Mercedes Clash

by Billy Watson/LFN

MCALLEN/LA FERIA – The La Feria Lionettes attended their first tournament of the season at the McAllen Poundfest, which featured numerous volleyball powerhouses such as McAllen, McAllen Memorial, Brownsville Rivera, and many more.

The Lionettes began pool play last Thursday and finished second in their group with a 2-1 record. The pools were shuffled on Friday to where the top 2 teams from each pool were put into groups of four with other first and second place finishers. The Lionettes struggled, however, as they went 0-3 and were sent to Saturday’s silver bracket.

On Saturday, the Lionettes faced Brownsville Porter, who they had played in Thursday’s pool action, but couldn’t find a shot at redemption against the Cowgirls. La Feria went on to face Brownsville Veterans and dropped that game as well, ending their tournament with a 2-6 record.

On the following Tuesday, the Lionettes hosted the home opener against the Mercedes Lady Tigers.
The Lady Tigers started off the game on a 6-0 run, but the Lionettes regrouped and won the set 25-22. Mercedes would go on to win the second set.

Mercedes’ largest lead of the game came in the third set up by 13, but an 11-4 run by the Lionettes erased that lead, but a Lady Tigers run would lead to a win in that game.

Down the stretch in the fourth set, both teams traded points and a critical call on the 23rd point called in gave the momentum to Mercedes, and they went on to win the match 3-1.

Nonetheless, Lionettes Head Coach Rebea Fraga had a positive reaction to the start of their season.

“To play at a faster tempo and to play against tough competition helps us get ready for district and playoffs,” Fraga said, “The effort is good and I told the girls that we’re competitive, but we need to have a willingness to win.”

The Lionettes will turn their focus to the Port Isabel Tournament held later in the week.