Pleasanton Lady Eagle Coach Gabriel Aguirre is back to lead the volleyball squad once again this season. After missing the playoffs the last few seasons, Aguirre is hoping hard work and dedication will pay off this season for his squad. The Lady Eagles had scrimmage action this past weekend at Medina Valley and at home. MARISSA VALDEZ | PLEASANTON EXPRESS The 2012 volleyball season has arrived for the five brush country teams. Coaches and teams are buckled down and focused on what they hope will be successful seasons. The McMullen County Cowgirls enter the season as the lone team from last year to make the playoffs. The Cowgirls have set the bar high and hope to achieve great results once again. The remaining four schools are hoping they, like McMullen County, they can make noise not only in district play but advance to the 2012 playoffs.

Pleasanton Lady Eagles- The Pleasanton Lady Eagles fell short of the Class 3A playoffs last season, as they finished tied for 3rd in 28-3A. Coach Gabriel Aguirre is back and excited about the potential of making playoffs this year. The last time Pleasanton saw playoffs was in 2009, as they were defeated by Rockport-Fulton in the bi-district playoffs. Other recent playoff appearances include: 2004 (area), 2006 (area), 2007 (area), 2008 (regional semi-finalist).

The Jourdanton Squaws and the McMullen County Cowgirls squared off in scrimmage action last Friday at J.H.S. Both teams are hoping to have a successful 2012-2013 season. JOE DAVID CORDOVA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS Last season, the Lady Eagles finished with an overall record of 23-15 and a district record of 6-6. Aguirre enters his 10th year at the helm of the program. Pleasanton welcomes back three starters as well as fresh new faces who will bring a different set of skills that he hopes can make a difference.

When asked what area needed improvement, Coach Aguirre stated “improve our defense” once again for the 2012 season.

The Pleasanton Lady Eagles are hoping hard work and dedication can guide them back to the post-season in 2012. MARISSA VALDEZ | PLEASANTON EXPRESS Here is a quick look at the members of the 2012 Pleasanton Lady Eagles : According to the coaches the following are the players to watch: Keri Hariss-Sr.-Setter, Emma Garcia-Sr. libero, Gabby Brooks-Sr.-Middle Blocker, Tiffani Hernandez-Sr. Outside hitter, Gabberz Martinez-Sr. Defensive specialist, Jessica Herschap-Sr. Outside hitter, Jenna Yow-Sr. Middle Blocker and Sydney Delgado- Jr. Outside hitter.

With a team of mostly returning seniors, one can only hope that this season is going to be successful.

Schedule highlights: The Lady Eagles have a competitive schedule, which began with an intense home dual against Devine and George West. Other tough non-district opponents will include South Side, South San, St. Anthony, Hondo, Navarro to name a few. This season, Pleasanton will compete in Devine and Cole Tournament as well as host their annual home tournament.

This season, district 28-3A will be a tough one again and will include, Sam Houston, Poteet, Somerset, La Vernia and S.A Hawkins.

McMullen County Cowgirls- The Cowgirls are riding into the season with an impressive first place finish from last year, falling short to Louise in the area 2011 playoffs. The Cowgirls finished last season with a 21-10 overall record and a 10-0 district record, which set them up for a welldeserved championship

The McMullen County Cowgirls will be led by first year head coach Darcy Remmers. A graduate from Goliad High, Remmers obtained her bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science degree from SWT.

This season, the Cowgirls will return the following starters: Jasmyn Smith- Sr.- Setter 5’6”, Destinee Thomas -Sr.- hitter;Digger 5’11”, Hailey Ruiz -Sr.- hitter/Digger 5’4”, Danielle Dawson -Jr.- hitter 5’11” and Raney Hanks -Jr.- libero 5’3”.

Other players to watch: Sarita Cavazos and Jordan Stephenson, both freshmen.

Schedule highlights: This season will be yet another tough one for the Cowgirls. McMullen will compete against plenty of non-district talent including Jourdanton, Ben Bolt, Agua Dulce and Kenedy. They will also be taking part in the Pettus, Three Rivers and Pleasanton varsity tournaments. Stacey, Three Rivers, Gervin and Charlotte are some relatively new opponents the Cowgirls will be competing against in the 29-1A district.

“We are setting high goals and looking forward to a successful season” stated coach Remmers, adding we hope to “Make the Playoffs”

Poteet Agates- Returning for her second year, Coach Angelica Garcia is getting the Agates into shape for a chance at the playoffs. The Poteet Agates have not made an appearance in the playoffs since 2008, but this season Coach Garcia is determined to clinch a spot for the 2012 season.

Last season, the Agates finished overall 9-21 and 2-10 in district. This season Coach Garcia hopes to lead the Agates to a victorious path courtesy of hard-work and consistency.

Three returning senior starters, include Courtney Criswell, Emily Akers and Alyssa Salinas. The Agates are sure to put up an intense fight with this deadly combination. Other returnees are Lauren Zavala (Jr.) right-side hitter, Kristan Herrera (Sr.), DS and outside hitter and Georgina Carrasco (Sr.) Defensive specialist/Libero.

Other players to watch: Clarissa Rodriguez (Jr.) DS/Libero, Cassandra Leal (Sr.) Outside Hitter, Brandi Machado (Jr.) outside hitter/DS, Desiree Olivarri (Jr.) outside/middle hitter, Destinee Olivarri (Jr.) outside/middle hitter and Alyssa Sanchez (soph) setter.

“I am very excited about this 2012 season. The girls have worked hard throughout the summer in leagues, clubs, camps and workouts! We have the potential to do great things and I am ready for our hard work to pay off,” stated Coach Garcia.

District 28-3A will have the following tough opponents, Somerset, La Vernia, Pleasanton, Hawkins and Sam Houston.

Schedule Highlights - The Agates will face Stockdale, Marion, Three Rivers and Bandera in what all should be very intense games played in non-district. They will also take part in the Devine & Stockdale tournaments.

Charlotte Trojannettes- The Charlotte Trojanettes are hoping a new coach will bring new ideas and new technique, which in turn will bring new results. They ended last season 5-13 overall and 2-10 in district. This season, new Coach Tina Newman will have to focus and instill a different set of skills and strategy to her team. Charlotte has not made an appearance in the playoffs yet in their young history, but with new coaching talent the Trojanettes might just be able to make their first showdown for the 2012 playoffs.

Charlotte will return two senior starters, Rebbecca Munoz 5’6” Middle Blocker and Amber Salazar 5’8” Setter.

Other players to watch: Callie Smith, Ashlyn Dillard, Rebecca Pesqueda, Jayti Wilson and Raven Schmidt.

With strength in team unity, the Trojantettes are young but sure to come out and play to their full potential.

“The goal for the 2012 season is to make the playoffs,” stated Coach Newman.

Schedule highlights- The Trojanettes will start off their season in a dual against Stockdale and the Poteet Agates. Other tough non-district teams will include, Leakey, Kenedy, D’Hanis and San Antonio Cole to name a few. The girls will also compete in the Three Rivers varsity tournament. This District 29-1A will feature Lackland Stacey, McMullen County, Gervin, Three Rivers and Charlotte all who are very competitive teams.

Outlook- Now you have a better understanding where the five Brush Country squads stand entering their 2012-2013 season. As scrimmages have concluded and opening games have begun, all five teams are ready to show potential and excel at a new level. Stay tuned for weekly updates for the Pleasanton Lady Eagles, Poteet Agates, Charlotte Trojanettes, Jourdanton Squaws and the McMullen County Cowgirls, in each issue and the website.

Come out and cheer these girls on, as they bump, set and spike their way through to the playoffs.

Note: The Jourdanton VB profile was not available as of press time from J.H.S.