Despite losing in straight sets to a 2023 state runner-up, Española Valley High School girls volleyball coach Nicole Romero-Ortiz took many positives out of the Lady Sundevils’ 25-13, 25-22, 25-23 season-opening loss to host Santa Fe Indian School.
After a lackluster first set, Española Valley tightened up its offense, defense and the back line against the New Mexico Activities Association Class 3A 2023 runner-up in the season-opener for both teams at the Everett F. Chavez Pueblo Center Pavilion Saturday.
“I’m really happy with the way we played,” Romero-Ortiz, entering her fifth season as Lady Sundevil coach, said. “We’re a young team and they’re a state runner-up from last year with a lot of good hitters.”
With only two seniors to start, Española Valley was missing three players, all of which would be in Romero-Ortiz’s rotation. Middle blocker Averi Schultz should return from an ankle injury soon, while Romero-Ortiz hopes sophomore Naquita Martinez will be back by the start of district play as she recovers from a broken toe. Unfortunately, major knee surgery has sidelined sophomore Armani Lawrence for the season and her injury may impact her ability to play on the Española Valley girls basketball team later this Fall.
After a jittery first set, the Lady Sundevils began working the combination of junior setter Leah Vigil finding senior hitter Faith Garcia.
“Those girls have been playing volleyball together since they were six years old,” Romero-Ortiz said. “They have a connection.”
A Garcia kill late in set two brought the Lady Sundevils within 17-16, but a kill by Lady Brave Kaycee Tsosie, one her 11 on the day, gave Santa Fe Indian School a 22-19 lead that it would not relinquish.
In game three, behind five straight points with Vigil serving, the Lady Sundevils built a 10-5, but back-to-back kills by Santa Fe Indian’s Kailynn Calabaza brought the Lady Braves within 10-9 and a decisive Tsosie block gave Santa Fe Indian a 23-21 lead for good.
“The girls all get along together,” Romero-Ortiz said. “We really stepped it up after the first set. I expected it to be a tough test, but we settled down and figured some things out.”
Española Valley was supposed to start its season against Kirtland Central on Aug. 27, but a scheduling miscommunication canceled that match.
After a home match against Belen, Tuesday, the Lady Sundevils travel to Bernalillo for a contest on Thursday.
“I’m really excited that the girls responded the way they did (against Santa Fe Indian School),” Romero-Ortiz said.
As far as District competition, Romero-Ortiz said, “I am assuming that Los Alamos will be the team to beat.”
The Lady Sundevils host the Lady Hilltoppers on Oct. 8.