HUTTO — The Goliad Tigerettes are heading to the Class 3A, Division I volleyball state championship game. Goliad's 3-0 sweep of Grandview on Tuesday night at the Hutto gym was defined by its defense. "They're just so determined and they work so well together," said Goliad head coach Jess Odem.
"There's some times in the game where it was tough for us to get a point, but they're able to let that go, work harder then score a point and get on a run. The Tigerettes (41-5) set the tone with its defense at the front of the net. Middle blocker Addison Yendrey and setter Isabel Sanchez knew they had to win the battle at the net.
The defense of the two sophomores got Goliad off to a 13-4 lead in the first set. "We were able to shut them down from the very beginning just by watching film and seeing where they hit," Yendrey said. "They definitely started to get a little hesitant with their hits, not going up as strong and trying to roll over, but our defense was there to cover up.
" Yendrey and Sanchez combined for 10 blocks and were a problem for the Zebras' hitters throughout the match. Even when the block did not result in a point, the presence of Goliad's block was felt. Very few Grandview (37-9) attacks got to the Goliad back row without it hitting Tigerette hands up top.
"It takes a lot of momentum away from the hitter when you start to stop them at the front line," Odem said. "That is a big part of our game and it's something that we have to make sure we accomplish." Goliad's fr.
