A nearly five-year search for a district win came to an end Tuesday for the Lehman Lobos volleyball team.
By virtue of a hard-fought, come-from-behind five set road victory over the Del Valle Cardinals, Lehman (11-18, 1-5) notched the program’s first win in district play since the 2013 campaign.
Prior to Tuesday, Lehman’s last district win came against Seguin on Oct. 18, 2013. At that time, Lehman was still classified in the 4A, now 5A, ranks and was taking on the likes of Boerne Champion, Kerrville Tivy and Schertz Clemens. The Lobos had previously been on a 59 district match losing streak which spanned 1,779 days prior to Tuesday.
The Lobos notched the landmark win by overcoming a daunting 2-1 match deficit. The Lobos took the first set 25-14, but dropped the next two, placing them on the brink of another district loss.
Propelled by the play of Lauren Lara and Leah Lara, the Lobos surged ahead to win the fourth frame 25-17. Lehman then edged out the Cardinals 15-13 for the match victory.
Lauren Lara finished with a game high eight kills, while Leah Lara had 18 assists. Lobo Mariah Pastrano had 13 digs while Madison Webb had one block.
Lobo head volleyball coach Karen Young said Tuesday's win was an amazing moment for the entire program.
"Their continual choice of commitment to trust the process and get better each day is invaluable in setting the foundation, as well as leading the future players, of the Lobo volleyball program," Young said.
The Lobos will vie for a second straight district win when they travel to play at Austin High Friday. Lehman hosts the Hays Rebels Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lobo Den.
This story has been updated with comments from Lehman volleyball coach Karen Young. In our print edition, we incorrectly reported Mariah Pastrano with 13 kills in the match; Pastrano finished with 13 digs. We apologize for the error.
