It is no secret Alexander has multiple offensive weapons at the net. Stella Evans, Andrea Nunez, Abriella Bentancourt, Caro Elizondo, Bella Ramirez and Sofia Gonzalez can all pound the ball and were instrumental in Alexander’s victory over Eagle Pass, keeping it at the top of the District 30-6A standings.
While the offense is a well-oiled machine that has the Lady Bulldogs dominating the district early on, the defense also shines for Alexander. The Blue & Gold have one of the best defensive units in the city, and it starts with senior libero Angie Garcia, who is making the most of playing for one of the most storied programs in the city.
“Defensively, our kids back there hold their own,” Alexander head coach Ariana Bermea-Mendoza said. “They really kept us in some long rallies and made some plays that allow our offense to flourish. I credit them; they are the unsung heroes. It is a lot of hard work, and it is fun to see them all over the place as they pick each other up. From one to five, our DS (defensive specialists) all contribute so much."
Garcia played club season in San Antonio, making the bi-weekly trek to the Alamo City for five months. All her hard work has paid off, and this year she is considered one of the best liberos in the city.
She is one of the contributing factors on defense that has the Lady Bulldogs winning their district games in three sets, a streak that started last year. Garcia moves in the back row with ease and doesn’t show her presence until opposing teams attack at the net. When she is on the court, she just makes sure to react to anything that is sent her way.
“When we see the ball, we just go,” Garcia said. “Just move to the ball as soon as possible. It is so much fun just digging balls in the backrow.”
If for some reason teams get through the first line of defense at the net that includes Andrea Nunez, Garcia is ready to pick up any balls sent her way.
Eagle Pass had a hard time establishing an offense due to the play of Garcia and MariaJose Cosio, who also contributed in the back row. Garcia and Cosio are Alexander’s 1-2 punch in the back row.
Alexander’s game plan is to start strong with a good serve-receive pass, and that is when Garcia’s number is called. Garcia wants to ensure her team has every opportunity at the net to start their offense, and it starts with a great pass to her target.
“We always want to start off strong with a good serve-receive pass,” Garcia said. “Without serve-receive, you cannot really win a game. Our mindset is to get that good serve-receive, make a great pass, so our hitters can put the ball down.”
The Lady Bulldogs will call upon Garcia’s services on Saturday as they travel to take on LBJ at 12:30 p.m. at the Wolf Den.
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