GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants Lady Pirates varsity volleyball team was on the road this weekend, at the Zia Classic Tournament in Roswell, New Mexico.
On Friday September 11, the Lady Pirates began pool play at Goddard High School, opening against Mayfield. Grants came up short, taking a close loss in both sets, then faced Miyamura High School, a team they had already faced earlier in the volleyball season. Grants came out strong taking the win in both pool play sets.
Next, Grants took on Los Alamos High School, splitting both sets with close scores and some competitive rallies between the two teams.
Grants continued pool play with two more games against Goddard and Clovis. With all the hard effort put in by Grants, they weren't able to pull through and came out with a loss in each game.
After all the tough losses from Friday's pool play they later found out they were placed in the Bronze bracket for the following day.
FromFriday'splaytheteam's chemistry was strong throughout the entire day and they all worked very well together.
Some players that managed to stand out from the team were Sienna Montoya whose sets were well placed all day which gave her teammates great opportunities to attack the ball giving them many points to help them.
“I think the chemistry was good, and I feel like both our setters were connecting with all hitters,” Montoya said. “Even our coverage was really good both days. Our back row played a really big role especially against the big schools we were playing against.”
Mariah Melonas was another strong contributor to the team, whose passes and court awareness was a strong asset to the team during the games, keeping them organized and competitive throughout the games.
Another player that managed to stand out was Kiana Guzman who kept the team's energy high and kept swinging aggressively and putting up blocks all day, battling for every point.
On Saturday, September 12, the Lady Pirates started off the day by playing Alamogordo. Grants played a full five sets against Alamogordo and ended up taking the loss with a score of 3-2. Even though they lost, the team's energy was awesome and kept the players in an uplifting mood even after losing.
The loss against Alamogordo meant that they would play the loser of the next game against Miyamura and Hobbs, and the two teams went to five sets with Miyamura taking the win.
Playing against Hobbs, the Lady Pirates had long rallies and an outstanding amount of communication on the court. But, the team came up short and wasn't able to pull the win off, losing 3-1.
Montoya said playing against top notch talent all weekend definitely gave the Lady Pirates some learning moments.
“They definitely play at a faster pace than we are used to and they’re very consistent,” Montoya said. “No matter the mistakes they make they know how to stay out of their heads, which is something we need to work on.”
Player Harlow Kiyite was instrumental against Hobbs, with her strong hitting and her high energy on the court.
Melonas, who played the libero position both days, and got a lot of passes and helpful “ups” for her teammates was also instrumental during Saturday’s games.
Though the losses seem to be piling up for the Lady Pirates, Montoya said that she and her teammates are not discouraged.
“I do see potential in us,” she said. “We start really strong, but then we start crashing out. Volleyball is mostly a mental game, and we just need to work more on that side of things.”
The Lady Pirates will host Valley on Saturday, September 19, with the C Teams kicking off the action at noon.