Pershing sophomore Kyra Cerini scores a massive hit from the middle set.
The Pershing County Mustangs volleyball team scored back-to-back wins this past week.
On Wednesday (Oct. 25), they celebrated senior night and went 3-1 with the Incline Highlanders (25-22, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23).
Seniors Anna Happy, Yasmine McKinney, KayLee Poffenroth and Taylor Garland couldn't have asked for a better send off from their families, friends and fans.
Both teams showed skill. Incline ranks second to North Tahoe in the 2A with Pershing County in third place.
It made for a fast-paced, competitive game with Incline and Pershing battling back and forth.
Pershing County senior Anna Happy sets the ball to her teammates.
"My girls found holes in Incline's defense, hustled after the ball, played tough and earned their win that night," said coach Monica Halverson.
Unfortunately, KayLee Poffenroth suffered an injury during the third set. Later she learned she broke her arm. However, she stayed through the fourth set to watch and support her teammates.
"Kaylee witnessed an exciting well played set by the Mustangs. At the end of the game, I was proud of each of the girls performance and the win that we just got," said Halverson.
McKinney’s key hits from the middle-built excitement and generated momentum. She had five kills and two solo blocks. Raegan Burrows had two aces, eight kills, three solo blocks, and 12 digs.
Taylor Garland totaled one ace, three kills, and 10 digs. Anna Happy had four aces and 16 assists. Arya Garland added two aces and eight digs.
Kyra Cerini had two kills and one solo block. Aaliyah Allen had two solo blocks.
On Thursday (Oct. 26), the Mustangs traveled to Reno to play Coral Academy in their new gym. The Mustangs beat Coral Academy of Reno in three sets (25-20, 25-15, 25-16).
"It was a different game for the girls and we didn’t play at our best, but we played hard and came out with the win. There were a lot of distractions that I hope do not follow them to regional playoffs this upcoming weekend," said Halverson.
"I am still proud of my team for finishing strong with a win and getting in that third position for playoffs."
McKinney had three aces, seven kills and a dig. Burrows totaled three aces, nine kills and 29 digs. Taylor Garland supplied four aces, four kills, and 14 digs.
Happy had four aces, 15 assists and three digs. Arya Garland had 12 digs. Aaliyah Allen had two digs.
This Friday and Saturday Lovelock hosts the regional volleyball tournament.
North Tahoe, Yerington, West Wendover, Incline, Lovelock and Coral Academy will compete.
Pershing County’s position is ideal with a first-round win, because they would play Incline in the semifinal, setting up a possible meeting with North Tahoe for the regional championship.
Pershing County plays its first-round match on Friday at 4 p.m., against Coral Academy.
Fans will cheer for the girls before heading to the football field to watch the Mustangs confront the Falcons at 6 p.m.
The top two volleyball teams will advance to the NIAA state tournament on Nov. 10-11. It will take place at Sunrise Mountain High School in Las Vegas.
"Having the home court advantage at the regionals will definitely play in our favor because of the energy of the fans and representing our town and school," said Halverson.