Killer Kassy

Mothers do know best.

After playing volleyball for the Coakley Cougars in the seventh grade, Kassandra Larios wanted to quit.

She wasn’t very good at the sport and she didn’t have too much fun.

But Larios’ mother Sandra Naranjo and her coach Hilario Lopez urged her to give it another shot the following year in the eighth grade.

Larios did and the rest as they say is history.

The Harlingen South senior stuck it out her eighth grade season. By the time she became a freshman at South in 2004, Larios was set to become the next great Lady Hawk volleyball player.

She finished her freshman campaign on the varsity squad and started there her sophomore year playing alongside former South standouts like Chrissey Cruz and Lina De Leon.

As a junior, Larios was the only returning letterman and led a squad of mostly juniors to a second-place finish in 31-5A and the postseason.

But it was this season as a senior that Larios’ star shined the brightest for the Lady Hawks.

Larios along with fellow seniors Heidi Hensz, Lisa Garcia and Jessica Martinez led the Lady Hawks to a 28-2 regular season and a District 31-5A crown.

The hard-hitting Larios notched an impressive 603 kills (17.7 per match) this season and an amazing 408 digs (14.1 per match) on her way to earning the 2007 Valley Morning Star’s All-Valley Most Valuable Player award.

“As the season wound down, we have to consider Kassy one of the greatest hitters we’ve had at South,” Lady Hawks head coach Steve Lunsford said. “And that’s saying a lot considering some of the talent we’ve had come through here. We’re certainly very proud of Kassy.”

Larios remembers looking up to former South greats like Heidi Scheopner and Amy Silva when she was in middle school.

Now Larios feels she’s left her mark on South volleyball. She just can’t believe how fast time passed by.

“It all turned out a lot better than I expected it,” Larios said. “I guess it was a good way to end my senior year. I’m kinda glad I stayed in it (volleyball). It worked out for the best. Volleyball is my passion.”

Larios is joined on this season’s All-Valley squad by her coach Lunsford as the groups’ Coach of the year.

La Feria sophomore Hannah Wolf burst onto the volleyball scene as a sophomore and led the Lionettes to 32-3A title with perfect 8-0 league mark and the area round of the postseason. Wolf was the 32-3A MVP.

The Lady Hawks cruised through the season with a 14-0 league mark with the majority of the team in tact from the previous season.

South finished 2007 with a 31-3 record and a berth in the Region IV-5A Tournament where it fell to Austin Westlake in the regional semifinals.

But after losing to Sharyland in the area round in 2006, Lunsford knew something had to be addressed when the team returned to summer workouts this season.

And right off the bat, Lunsford pointed to the team’s mental toughness — or lack thereof — as the cornerstone to building the powerhouse of 2007.

Lunsford guided the Lady Hawks to their seventh postseason berth in his ninth year as head coach. The Lady Hawks also clinched their fifth district title under Lunsford and fourth in the last six years.

“I certainly can’t take credit for the season,” the always humble and class act Lunsford said. “The kids worked extremely hard this year. But that (mental toughness) was a key to our success this year. I knew the talent was there. We just had to find a way to toughen them up.”

Hensz makes three South representatives on the All-Valley selection as a first-team setter.

She’s actually one of two setters on the squad joining Mission Veterans Memorial’s Sonia Lerma on the first team.

Lerma was the District 32-4A MVP and led the Lady Patriots to the regional semifinal before losing to New Braunfels Canyon.

The Vets senior finished the season with 1,002 assists, 305 kills, 225 digs and 105 service aces.

Sharyland outside hitter Jaclyn Lopez and Brownsville Rivera middle blocker Laura Ochoa also made the first team.

Lopez guided the Lady Rattlers to their first regional tournament as a 5A school. A loss to San Antonio Reagan ended

She finished up with 350 kills and 315 digs to go with a 93 serving percentage.

Ochoa was a beast for the Lady Raiders with 641 kills and 214 blocks. Ochoa also recorded 66 digs and 61 service aces.

Ochoa led Rivera to the regional quarterfinals where the Lady Raiders lost to Lopez’s Lady Rattlers.

Los Fresnos’ Amanda Ozuna and Harlingen’s April Flores round out the first team.

Ozuna guided the Lady Falcons to the second round before a loss to Sharyland in an area match. Flores and the Lady Cardinals fell Los Fresnos in a bi-district clash. Harlingen did win two seeding matches against Edinburg Economedes and Edinburg to earn the second seed in 31-5A.

2007 VMS All-Valley

Most Valuable Player

Kassandra Larios, Harlingen South

Newcomer of the Year

Hannah Wolf, La Feria

Coach of the Year

Steve Lunsford, Harlingen South

First Team

Jaclyn Lopez, Sharyland; Amanda Ozuna, Los Fresnos; Laura Ochoa, Brownsville Rivera; Sonia Lerma, Mission Veterans; April Flores, Harlingen; Heidi Hensz, Harlingen South.

Second Team

Alyssa Sanchez, Sharyland, Becca Valdez, McAllen; Morgan Brown, Edinburg Economedes; Brittany Hawkins, Sharyland; Kolby Warren, Mission Veterans; Anayeli Trevino, sr., Brownsville Rivera

All-District lists

DISTRICT 30-5A

Most Valuable Player

Jaclyn Lopez, Sharyland, sr.

Newcomer of the Year

Brittany Nelson, McAllen Rowe, fresh.

Outstanding Hitter

Alyssa Sanchez, Sharyland, sr.

Outstanding Setter

Brittany Hawkins, Sharyland, jr.

Outstanding Libero/DS

Trini Sanjoto, McAllen Memorial, jr.

Outstanding Blocker

Becca Valdez, McAllen High, sr.

First Team

Rebecca Rodriguez, Donna, sr.; Vanessa Guerrero, Donna, sr; Lizzie Kittlemen, McAllen High, jr.; Amanda Roberson, McAllen Memorial, sr.; Jessica Stich, McAllen Memorial, sr.; Brandie Olsen, McAllen Rowe, sr.; Samantha Alaniz, Rio Grande City sr.; Jill Dickerson, Sharyland, sr.

Second Team

Jessica Flores, La Joya, sr.; Ali Bills, McAllen High, jr.; Samantha Hoffman, McAllen High, jr.; Thea Keoing, McAllen Memorial, jr.; Kristi Garcia, McAllen Rowe, jr.; Danielle Rivera, Rio Grande City, soph.; Vianey Rivera, Rio Grande City, jr.; Mattie Richards, Sharyland, sr.

Honorable Mention

Jolyn Cavazos, Donna, sr.; Loren Solis, Donna, sr.; Vanessa Barrera, La Joya, sr.; Kassandra Aguilar, La Joya, sr.; Alisha Peña, La Joya, soph.; Kethryn Dubal, McAllen High, sr.; Adriana Liuna, McAllen Memorial, jr.; Jenna Garcia, McAllen Memorial, sr.; Sabrina Doffing, McAllen Memorial, jr.; Areana Ybarra, McAllen Rowe, jr.; Natalie Silva, McAllen Rowe, jr.; Rosa Solis, Rio Grande City, soph.; Celia Martinez, Rio Grande City, jr.; Briana Gomez, Sharyland, sr.; Lorena Cardenas, Sharyland, sr.

DISTRICT 31-5A

Most Valuable Player

Kassy Larios, Harlingen South, sr.

Offensive Player of the Year

Morgan Brown, Edinburg Economedes, sr.

Defensive Player of the Year

April Flores, Harlingen High, sr.

Co-Newcomer of the Year

Joslynn Benavides, Harlingen South, soph.; Lisa Lancaster, Edinburg High, jr.

First Team

Heidi Hensz, Harlingen South, sr.; Angela Gonzalez, Harlingen High, jr.; Yadira Salinas, Edinburg High, jr.; Laura Rodriguez. Edinburg Economedes, sr.; Clara Treviño, PSJA North, jr.; Brianda Ledezma, Edinburg High, sr.; Cynthia Compian, Harlingen High, sr.; Katy Lipscomb, Edinburg North, jr.

Second Team

Vanessa Perez, Sr.; Victoria Handy, sr.; Lisa Garcia, sr.; Felicia Salinas, sr.; Bianca Torre, jr.; Crissy Ramirez, jr.; Rocio Rodriguez, sr.; Anna Kuykendal, sr.

Honorable Mention

Krystal Treviño, sr.; Yesenia Torres, sr.; Janie Hernandez, sr.; Shayvon Hernandez, sr.; Cristina Morales, sr.; Jenetta Sanchez, jr.; Sabrina Rosalez, jr.; Laura Torres, soph.; Nicolette Wiesman, sr.; Ashley Valdez, sr.; Brandy Garcia, soph.; Jessica Martinez, sr.; Samantha Cano, sr.; Monica Gaona, sr.; Lory Martinez., sr.; Jackie Cantu, sr.; Samantha Ruiz, jr.; Pamela Hernandez, sr.; Melissa Mireles, soph.; Claire Galindo, jr.; Veronica Villanueva, sr.; Julie Diaz, jr.; Bianca De Hoyos, jr.; Alyssa Granado, sr.; Karina Cervantes, sr.; Raven Piña, jr.; Clarissa Cholick; Hanah Linn; Anyssa Avila; Tiffany Trevño.

DISTRICT 32-5A

Co-Most Valuable Player

Amanda Ozuna, sr,, Los Fresnos, sr.; Laura Ochoa, sr., Los Fresnos.

Libero of the Year

Adrienne Abete, sr., Brownsville Lopez; Anayeli Trevino, sr., Brownsville Rivera

Setter of the Year

Anissa Garcia, sr., Brownsville Hanna

Sophomore of the Year

Scralett Arroyo, Brownsville Pace

Newcomer of the Year

Lilly Garcia, jr., Brownsville Pace

Coach of the Year

Liz Avelar-Guerra, Brownsville Rivera

First Team

Ashley Martinez, sr., Brownsvilla Pace*; Jillian Briones, sr., San Benito*; Jeanette Rodriguez, jr., Brownsville Hanna; Kayla Waever, jr., Los Fresnos; Rebecca Gonzalez, sr., Los Fresnos; Stephany Cruz, jr., Brownsville Rivera; Vanessa Beltran, sr., Brownsville Pace; Crystal Ochoa, sr., Brownsville Rivera; Yamaira Monreal, sr., Brownsville Rivera; Cristina Alvarez, sr., San Benito.

Second Team

Samantha Saldivar, sr., Brownsville Pace; Jessica Sosa, soph., Brownsville Porter; Kelly Ramos, sr., Brownsville Rivera; Corinna Lopez, sr., Brownsville Lopez; Beatrice Escobedo, jr., Brownsville Porter; Leslie Montalvo, sr., Brownsville Hanna; Ruby Castillo, San Benito; Kimberly Armstrong, Weslaco.

Honorable Mention

Cassie Hinojosa, sr., Brownsville Hanna; Ashley Martinez, sr., Brownsville Hanna; Gaby Maraboto, sr., Brownsville Hanna; Ann Ortiz, soph., Brownsville Hanna; Kassandra Cervantes, sr., Brownsville Lopez; Elizabeth Mendez, sr. Brownsville Lopez; Karina Vasquez, jr., Brownsville Lopez; Brianna Cole, sr., Brownsville Lopez; Roxanne Martinez, sr., Los Fresnos; A’dri Gonzalez, sr., Los Fresnos; Lilvia Gomez, sr., Los Fresnos; Avery Danielson, fresh., Los Fresnos; Belinda Mendez, sr., Brownsville Pace; Iselle Brown, jr., Brownsville Pace; Vanessa Lanaghan jr., Brownsville Pace; Rocio Valles, soph., Brownsville Porter; Lauren Berletch, soph., Brownsville Porter; Abby Martinez, jr., Brownsville Porter; Ivette Lopez, Brownsville Rivera; Roxanne Serrano, jr., Brownsville Rivera; Jennifer Garza, jr., Brownsville Rivera; Crystal De La Fuente, San Benito; Margie Nuñez, San Benito; Adrienne Sauceda, San Benito; Amber Polvado, Weslaco; Kristy Conner, Weslaco.

* unanimous selection

DISTRICT 32-4A

Coach of the Year

Diana Lerma, Mission Veterans Memorial

Most Valuable Offensive Player

Sonia Lerma, Mission Veterans Memorial, sr.

Most Valuable Defensive Player

Carolina Saenz, Edcouch-Elsa; Jessy Cadena, Mercedes; Kolby Warren, Mission Veterans Memorial

Newcomer of the Year

Victoria De leon, Mission High

Libero of the Year

Joanna Gonzalez, Mission High

First Team

Cecilia Ramirez, Edcouch-Elsa*; Sydney Peña, Mercedes*; Erica Garcia, Mission*; Victoria Rojas, Mission High*; Maritza Flores, Roma; Carolina Vera, Valley View*; Isela Flores, Mission Veterans; Emmily Morin, Weslaco East.

Second Team

Crystal Salinas, Edcouch-Elsa; Bianca Rodriguez, Edcouch-Elsa; Alyssa Posadas, Mercedes; Monica Flores, Mission High; Kristina Guerra, Roma; Giovanna Saenz, Valley View; Brandi Taylor, Mission Veterans Memorial; Audrey Ochoa, Mission Veterans Memorial.

Honrable Mention

Marisa Valadez, Edcouch-Elsa; Kayla Leal, Edcouch-Elsa; Frances Medina, Edcouch-Elsa; Kayla Limas, Edcouch-Elsa; Heather Alvarado, Mercedes; Sam Ramirez, Mercedes; Chelsea Sanchez, Mercedes; Amanda Trevño, Mercedes; Lupita Hinojosa, Mission High; Celina Vera, Mission High; Ronnie Garza, Mission High; Marina Rangel, Roma; Janet Rodriguez, Roma; Kackie Romero, Valley View; Brianda Garza, Mssion Veterans Memorial; Laura Rodriguez, Mission Veterans Memorial; Daniela Sanchez, Mission Veterans Memorial; Amanda Sanchez, Mission Veterans Memorial; Stephanie Garcia, Weslaco East; Cassandra Aponte, Weslaco East; Vikki Silguero, Weslaco East; Lee-Anna Cadena, Weslaco East; Cassandra Torrez, Weslaco East.

* unanimous selection

DISTRICT 31-3A

Co-Most Valubale Player

Nicole Garcia, Raymondville, sr.; Krissy Perez, Zapata, sr.

Co-Offensive Player of the Year

Monique Garcia, Zapata, sr.; Mykala Villarreal, Falfurrias, soph.;

Defensive Player of the Year

Samantha Alegria, Falfurrias, soph.*

Co-Setter of the Year

Estela Lopez, Zapata, sr.; Bianca Mesa, Raymondville, sr.

Co-Libero of the Year

Cassandra Alegria, sr.; Anyssa Romo, Lyford, sr.

Utility Player of the Year

Darlene Hernandez, Raymondville, sr.

Newcomer of the Year

Adriana Barron, Raymondville, soph.

Coach of the Year

Norma T. Rodriguez. Raymondville

First Team

Chelsea Buchanan, Raymondville, sr.*; Tessa Moss, Zapata, jr.*; Marcie Salinas, Falfurrias, jr.*; Nanette Salinas, Lyford, soph.*; Vanessa Hinojosa, Zapata, sr.; Jaqueline Ramos, Falfurrias, jr.; Jessica Rangel, San Diego, jr.

Second Team

Kathy Benavides, Zapata, sr.; Gracie Cantu, San Diego, sr.; Maria Lopez, Lyford, soph.; Rebeca Patroelj, Falfurrias, soph; Theresa Clinton, Raymondville, sr.; Maggie Tello, Raymondville, sr.; Liz Alvarez, Raymondville, sr.

Honorable Mention

Samantha Schacherl, Falfurrias, Soph.; Victoria Gonzalez, Falfurrias, fresh.; Ayssa Cabrera, Falfurrias, soph. Ashley Dominguez, Raymondville, sr.; Nora Torres, Raymondville, sr.; Michelle Romo, fresh.; Rebecca Torres, Lyford, jr; Cassie Treviño, Lyford, sr.

* unanimous selection

DISTRICT 32-3A

Most Valuable Player

Hannah Wolf, La Feria, soph.

Co-Newcomer of the Year

Rebecca Rodriguez, Progreso, soph. Cassie Martinez, Port Isabel, fresh.

Co-Offensive Player of the Year

Erika Lopez, Progreso, sr.; Cassie Martinez, Port Isabel, jr.

Defensive Player of the Year

Melanie Leija, La Feria, jr.

Co-Libero of the Year

Brandy Saenz, La Feria, sr.; Jazmin Surita, Port Isabel, jr.

Co-Setter of the Year

Celestina Lujano, La Feria, sr.; Lucy Salinas, Port Isabel, jr.

Coach of the Year

Rebea Fraga, La Feria

First Team

Clarissa Casa, La Feria, jr.; Genoveva Garza, La Feria, jr.; Cassie Rodriguez, Rio Hondo, sr.; Mariana Mascoro, Hidalgo, sr.; Angelica Zambrano, La Feria, sr.; Faith Silva, Progreso, sr.; Noermila Cardenas, Progreso, sr.

Second Team

Brittney lerma, Port Isabel, Soph.; Noemi Jimenez, Port Isabel, soph.; Zaira Heredia, Hidalgo, sr.; Karista Vidaurri, Hidalgo, jr.; Victoria Zepeda, La Feria, sr.; Nidia Alvarez, Progreso, jr.; Olivia Munoz, Rio Hondo, jr.

Honorable Mention

Victoria Gonzalez, Hidalgo, jr.; Isamar Negrete, Hidalgo, jr.; Marilie Segura, Hidalgo, sr.; Ruby Ortiz, Hidalgo, sr.; Aurora Silva, La Feria, sr.; Josie Torres, Port Isabel, jr.; Andrea Galvan, Port Isabel, soph.; Cynthia Cameron, Progreso, jr.; Marissa Bauman, Rio Hondo, soph.; Shannon Eizember, Rio Hondo, soph.; Angelina Ortiz, Rio Hondo, jr.; Maxine Maldonado, Progreso, sr.; Joanna Hernandez, Progreso, sr.; Yazmin Aguilar, Hidalgo, jr.; Flora Zapata, Port Isabel, jr.; Marie Mode, Port Isabel, soph.; Kendra Clay, La Feria, jr.; Amanda Chavez, La Feria, sr.

DISTRICT 32-A

Most Valuable Player

Renee Rivas, San Isidro, sr.

Offensive Player of the Year

Stephanie Chavez, Santa Maria, sr.

Defensive Player of the Year

Kady De Luna, San Perlita, jr.

Co-Newcomer of the Year

Rebecca Saenz, San Isidro, fresh.; Maritza Smith, Donna IDEA Academy, sr.

Coach of the Year

Sofia Garcia, Santa Maria

First Team

Alexandra Orozco, San Perlita, jr.; Cristina Gomez, Santa Maria, sr.; Ashley Salinas, Santa Maria, sr.; Deborah Diaz, La Villa, sr.; Analyssa Martinez, Donna IDEA Academy, sr.; Amanda Lerma, Donna IDEA Academy, sr.; Vicky Guerra, San Isidro, jr.; Vianni Ricano, San Isidro, sr.

Second Team

Monica Rivera, Santa Maria, sr.; Vanessa Rueles, Santa Maria, soph.; Corey Saenz, San isidro, sr.; Cindy Acevedo, San Isidro, soph.; Brenda Guadiana, San Perlita, sr.; Betsy Galvan, San Perlita, soph. Marlene Gonzales, La Villa, jr.; Beatrice Medina, Donna IDEA Academy, soph.

Honorable Mention

Samantha Rodriguez, La Villa, jr.; Angel Delgado, San Isidro, jr.; Becky Gonzales, San Isidro, jr.; Mercedes Salazar, San Perlita, jr.; Kayla Salazar, San Perlita, jr.; Desiree Posas, San Perlita, soph.; Dilsia Contreras, San Perlita, sr.; Denise Delgadillo, Santa Maria, sr.; Kimberly Salinas, Santa Maria, soph.; Rebecca Moreno, Donna IDEA Academy, jr.; Amanda Wratten, Donna IDEA Academy, sr.