GRANTS, N.M. - The Lady Pirates have one win out of three games so far this season, however a closer look at the games shows that they are keeping pace with their opponents.
In their first game against Bloomfield they kept up but came up short just one game finishing with the score 3-2.
In the second game they played they took the win against Taos dominating that game with the finishing score 3-1.
In their most recent game on Tuesday against Miyamura the team took another close loss with another 3-2 score. Varsity volleyball player Hailey Rose says that it is too early in the year to make any judgements about the team.
“We have room to grow,” Rose said. “We have room to improve, and I think these are just the beginning steps on focusing on where we need to improve in order to beat the tougher teams such as Hope and put a run againstAcademy.”
Rose said that the new coach Kateri Chino has been a great addition to the team bringing new coaching styles and lots of feedback, which is different to all the other coaches she has been coached by.
“She's trying to teach us new things, which I'm excited for because I want to just become a better player.” Rose said. “I do want to become a better player, I just want to improve for myself as well as for my team.”
Rose has also said that early on in the season there are several players that have really shown up for the team so far.
“Our front row middle hitters, Kiana Guzman and Harlow Kiyite, they're really strong in their hits and their blocks.” Rose said. “We have great passers in the back row, Cinay Monte, our Libero, Mariah Melonas, she is our defensive specialist.”
Rose also talks about her setters Dezrah McNeill, and Sienna Montoya.
“Our setters are amazing. You know, that's really what we need, is a good pass, a good set, in order to get a good kill.’’
The other thing helping the team so far is the positive energy that the coach and the players are trying to be consistent with. Coach Kateri Chino said that it was the one thing that she was surprised by when coming into the new team.
“The energy is definitely surprising about this team,” Coach Chino said. “That's usually one of the last things that comes into play, 'cause new coaches, new athletes, forming relationships, are a little bit more reserved, but with this group of girls, their energy was more phenomenal from the start.”
Another thing that contributes to the team's energy has to be connecting with each other and getting comfortable with Coach Chinos adjustments. She agrees that the players are beginning to master these changes.
“I think the team has had to adjust to… setting goals for themselves and how they all contribute to the team,” Coach Chino said. “So I think they just did pretty well, and I think that everything is falling in line.”
Coach Chino is being assisted by Coach Jerald Smith, and Coach Kendra Blea. Chino said Smith, who is her varsity assistant and JV coach, offers a lot of coaching experience in different athletics, and brings an honest and trustworthy approach.
C-Team Coach Kendra Blea is a new coach to volleyball, and Chino said she brings a useful, vibrant approach, connects really well with a younger group of girls, and is adaptable to the coaching philosophy that we have.
The Lady Pirates next games will be a tournament in Farmington, NM, on September 4-5, 2026