Undersized and lacking a standout player, the Lady Tigers were off the District 13-5A radar when the season started. With a steady mix of youth and senior leadership, Belton rebounded from two consecutive losing seasons and surprised several teams by going 20-13 and finishing third in 13-5A to qualify for the Class 5A playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Belton will play the role of underdog again when the Lady Tigers face host Round Rock McNeil at 7:30 tonight in the bi-district round of the 5A state playoffs.
“I know the girls are excited and always step up when it’s time to perform,” second-year coach Allison Taylor said. “They are gamers and have learned to bring themselves together through tough times. I don’t think one of our girls is going into the game relaxed.”
And they shouldn’t be.
McNeil, which is making its second straight postseason appearance, may be one of the most confident teams.
After being swept by Round Rock Westwood, the No. 21-ranked Lady Mavericks bounced back to upend No. 11 Round Rock in four games in their District 14-5A finale. It was Round Rock’s first district loss in two years and, according to third-year McNeil coach Karen Huffman, it was the Lady Mavericks’ second win over their crosstown rivals in school history.
“It was a good win when you compete with quality teams heading into the playoffs,” Huffman said. “It was a big win after a down game and very substantial for our team. It makes you sleep easier at night.”
The Lady Mavericks are 30-7 and finished second in 14-5A with a 12-2 mark.
Just how confident is McNeil heading into the playoffs?
Huffman rewarded her team’s upset victory over Round Rock with two days off from practice.
According to Taylor, when the schools exchanged game tapes, McNeil coaches were already scouting and looking ahead to the next round. The winner of tonight’s match faces the winner of the match between Magnolia and Spring in the area round later this week.
The senior-laden Lady Mavericks reminded Taylor of Bryan, a balanced squad that swept Belton in district play.
McNeil features 6-2 players Sarah Arldt and Jolie Graf in the middle. Sophomore Totti Alexander, District 14-5A’s newcomer of the year last season, and 6-1 senior Julie Weilnau are on the outside.
According to Huffman, Kelly Becerra runs the offense. The senior setter averages nine assists per game. Libero Alyssa Courter is averaging five digs per game.
“We know we’re not the tallest team, and we know they have a tall middle and we can’t just hit right into them,” Taylor said. “A&M Consolidated had a 6-4 sophomore and Temple has Jordan Pickett in the middle. Every little mistake makes a difference in the game. It’s just a matter of eliminating them and making really smart decisions.”
Lacking a player taller than six feet, Belton has relied on making smart decisions all season.
Leading attackers 5-7 Katelyn Rosebrock, 5-11 Becca Owen and 5-7 KC Warehime have consistently found openings in opponents’ defenses.
Senior Warehime and junior Myca San Miguel have executed the two-setter attack well. Junior Tilatha Akins (5-10) has been a defensive force at the net and Candice Roberts is one of the top liberos in the district.
“It’s playoff time,” Huffman said. “Who ever makes the least amount of errors will win.”
Added Taylor: “We can’t wait for them to make mistakes. They don’t make too many errors. But at the same time, they aren’t a team we can’t beat. Any team is beatable and we’re a great team.”
ncmeister@temple-telegram.com
