Friday Match to Watch: Clint vs Mountain View
High school volleyball is underway in the state of Texas. Since the first week of August, teams from across the Lone Star State have been back on the court, battling each other in some fantastic matches, which are bringing the…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHigh school volleyball is underway in the state of Texas. Since the first week of August, teams from across the Lone Star State have been back on the court, battling each other in some fantastic matches, which are bringing the best of the sport in the state.
Twice a week, we’ll use this space to recommend some matches to keep and eye on and, most importantly, some of the most interesting prospects you’ll want to watch if you have an opportunity.
If you’re around El Paso on Friday, October 22, this is the match you want to take a look at:
Clint vs Mountain View – 6.30pm
The Lady Lions from the Clint High School of the city of same name will enter the match determined to get revenge for a loss they had against Mountain View last month, one of just eight they had this season. The team coached by Priscilla Walker has won 21 matches this season and holds a 9-3 league win record, ranking third in the Class 4A, Region I – District 1.
The Lady Lobos from the Mountain View High School in El Paso have been stronger in the season, having an overall win record of 24 wins and just six losses – one of which to Clint, back in August, in a tournament. Head Coach Laura Torres has recently led the team to eight consecutive victories and a 11-1 record in the Class 4A, Region I – District 1, good enough to propel Mountain View to the top of the standings.
Players to Watch – Clint
Amari Morales – Right Sider – Club: Power Sports Academy – 2022
Amari Morales has been on double duty with the Lady Lions this season and has been excelling in both of her primary roles with the team. The 5’8” versatile player has been doing a great job with the ball in her hands, leading the team in assists with 346, but is also effective when she’s at the end other end of sets, holding a team-high 204 kills. Morales, who recently surpassed 1,000 assists in her career, has also been offering valuable contributions on defense and from the service line, with 260 digs (third-best in the team) and 56 aces (second-best).
Sierra Martinez – Outside Hitter – 2023
Sierra Martinez is another player who’s been contributing to Clint’s success in a variety of ways. Extremely technical and yet explosive at the net, the 5’6” outside hitter ranks second offensively for the Lady Lions with 171 kills registered so far. She’s also an excellent server, having produced 50 aces already. Her contributions on the defensive side of the game are probably even more meaningful for the team as Martinez ranks seconds in digs (308) and passes (261).
Players to Watch – Mountain View
Jennifer Valdez – Middle Blocker – Club: Elite United Volleyball – 2022
An athletic and efficient middle blocker, Jennifer Valdez could be the first Mountain View player to surpass 300 kills in the season during this match as her count is already at 293. The 5’10” prospect has been leading the Lady Lions’ offense this season but is also having massive impact in a lot of other categories, ranking first in blocks (34), aces (51) and passes (251) and second in digs (314). She also has an incredibly high number of assists (153, to an average of 1.9 per set) for a player of her position.
Madeline Estrada – Setter – 2022
Madeline Estrada is also contributing all across the board to Mountain View’s solid campaign this season. The 5’5” setter is handling the ball better than ever, averaging 5.9 assists per set to a total of 453 in the season. She’s also the team’s top defender with 331 digs (4.3 per set) and its second-best server, having produced 40 aces already. Her offensive game became more present in her last year of high school volleyball as well as she scored in 44 kills.