GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants Lady Pirates varsity volleyball team participated in the Four Corners volleyball tournament in Farmington, New Mexico, over the weekend, showcasing some impressive performances.
They began pool play on Friday, September 4, with their first game against Piedra Vista, winning on points after splitting the two sets. The Lady Pirates then had another strong showing, defeating Taos for the second time in the 2026 season. Unfortunately, they lost both sets in their final pool game against Tohatchi.
“Consistency is part of becoming a successful team, and that's something for us to continue working on,” head coach Kateri Chino said.
In a bonus round of pool play, the Pirates faced the Farmington Scorpions in a tight match, but the loss resulted in a three-way tie with Cortez and Aztec for the number four seed. Notable players included Kelbey Cash, who wasn’t afraid to swing and accumulated many kills for the team, and Mariah Melonas, who made impressive digs and passes from the back row. The energy during Friday's games was amazing, and Chino expressed her enjoyment in watching her team play. The girls' gameplay was great against the Scorpions; the coverage was strong, the players' confidence was high, and they executed their practice strategies well, earning them a spot in the silver bracket for the next day.
“I know what this group of young ladies is capable of, and so do they,” Chino said. “We are growing and breaking our own personal barriers, always setting new goals. That in itself is success.”
The Pirates’ first game of bracket play was against the Kirtland Central Broncos. The girls had adopted a new mantra recently: the 'three E’s'—100% effort, 100% energy, and 100% of everyone, every time. The Pirates came out strong, dominating the first two sets against the Broncos, with Kiana Guzman excelling as a middle hitter and blocker. However, the match extended to all five sets, and the Broncos ultimately claimed the win.
For their final tournament match, the Pirates faced the Taos Tigers, feeling confident from their previous victories against this team. However, the Tigers were determined not to lose for a third time and put up an incredible fight. This match also went to five sets, but the Tigers won in the close fifth set, resulting in a bracket record of 0-2 for the Pirates on Saturday. These two losses will be reflected in the Pirates' regular-season record.
About the losses, Chino said, “Our team is very capable of playing at high levels and with competitive teams. We show up with energy, intensity, competitiveness, and focus. What we need to work on is our discipline to show up with this level of play every time, no matter who is on the other side of the net.”
After a single home game against Bernalillo on Tuesday, September 8, The Lady Pirates will head to Roswell this weekend for another tournament. They will open with a game against Mayfield High School.