McHi unveiled its version of shock and awe on Tuesday, unleashing 46 kills, playing absolute staunch defense and defeating two-time District 31-5A champion Sharyland convincingly 25-22, 25-17, 25-15 at McAllen High.

Lefty Gabby Estringel hammered away for a team high in kills and digs, with 15 apiece while middles Isabella Rivera and Karely Cantu added 12 and 11 kills respectively in what may have been the most powerful performance of the season from any Valley team.

It was McHi’s district opener, playing a team that was without its second leading hitter Pamela Pena.

The Bulldogs relentlessly attacked. Their passing was crisp and setter Yaneli Rocha found her hitters for 38 assists to go with nine digs and one solo block. Their middles also found huge openings along the front row corners along the net, taking advantage of it for easy points on multiple occasions. Rivera was her consistent self, tallying 28 attacks with just two attack errors. Cantu, who has been looking to find her consistency to go with her power game, did just that. She also showed a soft touch, often finding those open spots along the front row to gently drop the ball into.

“We came in with the mindset that we had to give it our all and work as a team and that’s what we did,” Cantu said. “The offense executed but I have to give it up to our defense, we couldn’t have done that without them.

“We ran the middles a lot and that helped us – they left those spots open and we tipped there all day. I was just excited for our last first district game and it was exciting to mix things up.”

When the middles weren’t doing their thing, Estringel was making craters on the opposition’s side. She hit from the right side, from the middle and from the back row, showcasing her ability to play all around.

Libero Kaylen Ottmers stood like a human backboard and was in perfect position especially to receive Sharyland’s Kenisha Martinez and her hard-hitting blows. Ottmers finished the day with 25 error-free receptions and 15 digs to go along with a team-best 13 points. Braelyn Martinez also kept points alive, diving into the far reaches of the gym to make saving plays. She and Ottmers also tallied four of McHi’s six aces with two apiece.

“Kaylen takes a lot of pride being the reigning libero of the year for the district,” head coach Estefania Portillo said. “She really was ready for that matchup for today. She read very well tonight and played great defense.”

After McHi took the first set, there was never a “feel” that the Rattlers would battle back. Martinez and outstanding hitter/setter Kassandra De La Garza put together short runs on a few occasions, De La Garza getting points from smashes down the line, McHi’s defense, and quick turnaround offense didn’t allow the dynamic duo from going on any long point-scoring spurts.

Sharyland falls to 21-4 overall and 1-1 in District 31-5A. It was the first time they were swept in a district match since Oct. 23, 2021, also by McHi. The Rattlers face non-district opponent PSJA High at noon Saturday. McHi improved to 16-10 overall and 1-0 in district. The Bulldogs travel to McAllen Rowe at noon Saturday.