“It was an awesome weekend for volleyball,” said PCHS coach Monica Halverson.
The volleyball team opened its preseason in Yerington last Friday and Saturday.
This weekend, they go to Battle Mountain for their second tournament.
In Yerington, the girls played three matches each day. Friday, they competed against Sierra Lutheran, Galena and Yerington Frosh. Saturday they faced Damonte Ranch, Mammoth Lakes and Churchill County.
Meet the
varsity team
Outside hitters Presley Burrows and Aledda Sam lead the Mustangs with their fast, often dramatic, plays. Both girls are returning seniors and team captains.
Meanwhile, Kaydance Happy dominates the net. At 6’1’’ Kaydance, a junior, brings height and power to the varsity squad.
Sophomore setter Kaylen Halverson plays an integral part in setting up the team’s offense.
Bela Rosas and Raegan Burrows are also setters. Rosas is a returning senior, while Burrows is playing the first games of her high school career.
Senior Hannah Montes rejoins the squad as a defensive specialist after missing out on the last season. Junior Andrea Canchola wears the bright red libero jersey.
Sophomore Anna Happy will play both JV and varsity. “She’s my rover this year,” said the coach. Also, sophomore outside hitter Taylor Garland mixes well with the team’s seven returning players.
Friday, the Mustangs went 2-1, beating Sierra Lutheran and Yerington Frosh in two games each. Yerington Frosh was a filler game since a Las Vegas team did not show up.
Pershing County seized the opportunity to work on passing, rotations and communication.
The Mustangs lost to the Galena Grizzlies, a 4A team from Reno.
“I love playing a bigger team from a larger high school before our league starts,” said Halverson. “The Mustangs stood their ground and fought hard.”
Saturday morning, the Mustangs faced another 4A team from Reno, Damonte Ranch. This time things turned out differently.
“My team was moving, hitting well and serving with purpose,” said the coach. “They needed that win for morale and confidence. It’s always awesome when a 2A can beat a 4A team.”
The Mustangs knocked off Damonte in two games. However, they lost momentum to the Mammoth Huskies, a powerhouse team from Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Still, Pershing fought for every point.
The weekend ended with a Mustang win against Churchill County. Once again, the girls went 2-1 for the day.
“I’m proud of them for pushing through the heat, being tired, not getting a lot of sleep, transitioning from court to court and fighting to stay on top,” said Halverson, now beginning her third year as Pershing County’s varsity volleyball coach.
