A two-week break between matches was a slight setback for Escalante volleyball, who took a bit of time to readjust to playing while they started their district season.
“I knew, with this long time of not having nothing,” said Escalante coach Kathleen Salazar-Valdez, “I knew we were going to play the way we played.”
Salazar-Valdez said despite trying to prepare for the time off, she knew they would struggle in their return. And even a four-set win to start district play is a disappointment for the coach’s high expectations.
Despite losing a majority of their starting lineup from last year, the Lobos (11-2, 2-0 in district) seem to have barely lost a step, cruising through the early part of their season and continuing to rank as one of the top 2A teams. They started their district play, looking to repeat last year’s 9-0 mark (while losing just one set), with wins over Questa (5-9, 0-2) and Mesa Vista (2-8, 1-1).
Players like sophomore outside hitter Alani Yeahquo, new to the varsity team and already starting, have been key to sustaining the Lobos’ success.
“Now, it feels way better to be a role model to some people, and just show my skill,” Yeahquo said.
After rolling through the district last year, the Lady Lobos are not feeling the target on their backs. Yeahquo said they have not felt pressure from opposing teams.
“I really haven’t heard other teams talk or worry about us,” Salazar-Valdez said. “I don’t worry about other teams. I just go day by day.”
And that has proven successful in taking an early lead in the standings.
“Right now, I’m seeing them coming together,” Salazar-Valdez said. “And with them just being able to work together and know each other, that’s benefitting us.”
Against Questa on Oct. 6, Escalante was in full control early, winning the first two sets 25-15 and 25-8. But after taking an early lead in the third set, the Wildcats came back late, and fought off two match points before winning 26-24.
Escalante struggled to pull away in the fourth set, but ultimately managed to win the last three points to win 25-21.
Emma Maestas recorded 31 assists in the match, including 11 in the final set. Brycelyn Martinez led Escalante with 13 kills, and Yeahquo had 11. Felice Baca had four aces, and consistently led charges with big service runs.
The Lady Lobos came back strong in their next match on Oct. 8, defeating Mesa Vista in straight sets 25-7, 25-12, 25-8.
“I’m just going to take one team at a time this year,” Salazar-Valdez said. “I’m not going to worry about teams later.”
Escalante will face Peñasco (5-6, 1-1) on Saturday, looking to extend a winning streak, and continues two days later against Mora (8-5, 2-0).