Plano East players celebrate a play made by senior outside hitter Marisabelle Sias (11) during a home match against Woodrow Wilson on Aug. 12. Photo by Andy Redmond / C&S Media
By David Wolman
The Plano East and Allen volleyball teams battled Tuesday in a five-set thriller to begin District 6-6A.
The Lady Panthers jumped out to a two sets to one lead, but the Lady Eagles rallied for a 3-2 (25-11, 20-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-12) win.
The loss dropped Plano East to 5-2 on the season, and it comes three days after going 4-1 at the Garland ISD Tournament. It was highlighted by a bounce-back victory over Melissa in their final match.
Lady Panthers head coach Sarah Perez said the weekend was an opportunity to measure the team’s progress and set a foundation for the season ahead.
“The tournament this weekend was a good way to see where we are at and what areas we need to work on,” Perez said. “We are on the younger side this year, and it was good to get some of the nerves and jitters out and get some good touches on the ball.”
Plano East fields a roster that blends promising underclassmen with experienced leaders, and several players made their presence felt over the weekend. Senior outside hitter Simone Heard was a steady offensive force, while libero Dakota Huynh impressed as well. Perez also pointed out middle blocker Marisabelle Sias as a player who stood out this past weekend.
Those performances were especially important as the team navigated the ups and downs of tournament play. After dominating the first three games of the event on Friday, Aug. 15, against Emerson, South Garland, and Wilson, Saturday morning brought a difficult challenge against Frisco Lone Star, which Plano East failed. The Lady Panthers fell 2-0 (25-21, 25-17), ending any hope of winning the tournament.
Even then, Plano East managed to regroup and close on a high note. Perez said that moment was one of the most encouraging signs of the weekend.
“It didn’t go the way that we hoped on Saturday morning,” Perez said, “but we were able to bounce back and win our last game versus Melissa to show ourselves that we can work together and overcome.”
The win over Melissa, a 2-0 (25-19, 27-25) triumph, not only boosted morale but also gave the Lady Panthers proof that they could respond after adversity. It also improved Plano East’s record to 5-1, matching the start it had in last season’s 33-9 campaign.
Plano East’s efforts at Sachse comes a few days after the Lady Panthers posted a 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-20) sweep of Woodrow Wilson on Aug. 12 in Archie McAfee Gymnasium.
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