Sinton volleyball sweeps Robstown; heads to regional semifinals for first time since 2017
The Sinton volleyball team seized control early and never really let up in Thursday's Class 4A Division II area round playoff match against Robstown at Ray High School.
The Pirates were able to control the match with their serve and used it to piece together numerous lengthy runs in earning a 25-8, 25-12, 25-10 sweep of the Cotton Pickers.
Sinton reeled off 14 straight points in the first set behind strong play from senior Swayd Dockens and junior Hailey Burch and ended the second set with eight straight to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
"It was good that we were able to practice getting a lead from the beginning," said setter Kaylen Serrano, who finished with 18 assists, three kills and five aces. "Going into the next round there are going to be much bigger teams and more competition, so it was good that we started pushing early. All gas."
The win propelled the Pirates to the regional semifinals for the first time since 2017, which was a goal for Sinton coming into the season.
More: Win or go home: Here's a recap of the area round of the high school volleyball playoffs"We really emphasized controlling the game with our serve, which gave us some free ball opportunities," Sinton coach Michael Trujillo said. "Speeding it up on our side when the ball came back over. (It was) taking advantage of that and getting those runs with our serves that helped us."
The Pirates improved to 22-15 and will face Wimberley in the regional semifinals. Wimberley swept Cuero 25-21, 25-13, 25-20 on Thursday.
Robstown, which was the second seed in Division II from District 31-4A after tying with Kingsville for third place, beat La Feria in four sets to advance to Thursday's area round. Pickers coach Dee Rangel was proud of the grit and fight her team showed.
"We were senior heavy," Rangel said. "I was blessed for the opportunity to coach this team. We faced adversity, with injuries and everything else. The girls started fighting every game, and learning different roles.
"The leadership on this team is what got us here, and I'm going to miss those seniors 1,000%."
Leading the waySinton was led by Dockens (10 kills, two blocks) and a trio of players with seven kills — Burch, Ava Mata and Krista Reagan.
Krista Reagan had 11 digs and Kenedy Deason had 16 assists.
Trinity Anscombe and Soraya Tobias each had four kills, while Olivia Morales led Robstown with 10 digs.
"We talked about spreading the ball around and using all of our weapons," Trujillo said. "That goes back to controlling the game with our serve and getting the most out of our opportunities."
Serrano said the depth of quality hitters gives her confidence as a setter.
"All of our hitters are really top notch, aggressive hitters," Serrano said. "It is good to spread the ball around and utilize every hitter we have. It is not just one hitter that does all the work. Swayd, has been varsity for four years, Krista, Ava, Hailey Burch, it is good that we are spreading the ball around and everyone is effective."
They said itRobstown's Dee Galvan on the fight her team showed despite falling behind early: "Our goal was to leave everything on the court, and show our tenacity and heart. At the end of the day, they can look at themselves and say they gave it their all. We knew Sinton was a strong team. We fought."
Sinton's Michael Trujillo on how the tough schedule is paying dividends for the Pirates: "We play a very tough August schedule, so I think that has really helped. We play anyone that we can that is competitive. We went five sets many times this season. That helps with the grit and endurance in preparing for November volleyball."
SINTON DEF. ROBSTOWN
KILLS — Sinton, Swayd Dockens 10, Hailey Burch 7, Ava Mata 7, Krista Reagan 7, Kaylen Serrano 3, Tiana Salone 2; Robstown, Trinity Anscombe 4, Soraya Tobias 4. ASSISTS — Sinton, Serrano 18, Kenedy Deason 16; Robstown, Mallie Villarreal 4, Soraya Tobias 4. ACES — Sinton, Serrano 5, Burch 4, Deason 2, K. Reagan 1, Mata 1; Robstown, Sonya Tobias 1. BLOCKS — Sinton, Dockens 2. DIGS — Sinton, K. Reagan 11, Mata 6, Elissa Reagan 5, Deason 5, Aubrey De La Cruz 5; Robstown, Olivia Morales 10, Villarreal 8.
Record — Sinton 22-15
