PORT NECHES — Port Neches-Groves senior Emily Taubert’s volleyball story started back in seventh grade.

Since that time Taubert has made a name for herself on the Rock-A-Noos, who are looking to reach the playoffs again under longtime coach Barbara Comeaux.

The Rock-A-Noos take on the Beaumont Ozen Lady Panthers at 4:30 p.m. today in a pivotal match for both teams. The Lady Panthers are 8-4 in District 22-5A and a game ahead of the Rock-A-Noos (21-14, 7-5) for the final playoff spot. Lumberton is also 8-4 with matches against Goose Creek Memorial (12-0 in 22-5A) and Beaumont Central left on the schedule. PN-G plays Goose Creek in its final match on Tuesday while Ozen has Nederland (10-2) the same night.

“We have had a lot of tough matches,” Taubert said. “The district is really tough this year. We will continue to work hard in every practice and every chance we get. We can only focus on the next match.”

The next match is against the same team PN-G had down 2-0 in the first round of district play, only to watch the Lady Panthers come back to win 3-2.

The team leader in service points and digs, Taubert is not ready to have her PN-G career come to an end.

“Volleyball is my passion,” Taubert said. “During volleyball season you eat, sleep and breathe volleyball. Then there are select teams and volleyball in the winter.”

Comeaux moved Taubert up to varsity during her sophomore season. She saw maturity in Taubert that made the decision an easy choice to make.

“Early on at a young age, I saw a leadership in her that she had the mental stability to handle varsity,” Comeaux said. “The pressure goes up when playing at this level. She had to come up and compete. I saw more than just the skills. She had a maturity at that age. Emily comes to practice with a positive attitude. She turns to her teammates and has the positive encouragement.”

Comeaux added Taubert never slows down, even in practice.

“She never takes off,” Comeaux said. “I don’t have to say ‘go’ to Emily. It all comes natural to her. She wants to be the best and she works at it. That is why she is as consistent as she is.”

As much as Comeaux likes having Taubert on her team, Taubert has enjoyed being on a PN-G program that has not missed the playoffs in 32 years.

“Being a senior holds a lot of responsibility,” Taubert said. “The years have flown by. It is an honor to play for coach Comeaux. She is held up so high because that is what she deserves.”