The Pershing County High School volleyball team celebrates after winning a point against Battle Mountain.
The Pershing County High School volleyball team played two road matches this past week.
On Friday they beat rival school Battle Mountain 27-25, 25-20. 25-22. On Saturday, the Mustangs trekked to West Wendover and lost 27-25, 25-21, 25-20
Homecoming Week magic is in the air. The JV volleyball princess is Magdalena Ramirez. Taylor Garland is the varsity princess. On Wednesday the Mustangs hosted Oasis. Results were not available at press time.
This Saturday, Pershing County hosts Silver Stage. JV plays at 11 a.m. and varsity at noon.
The volleyball players will also be in the stands supporting the soccer and football teams all weekend.
The support is mutual. It's one of the PCHS athletic program's biggest strengths and most potent secret weapons.
The Battle Mountain scores were close, as both sides of the gym cheered as the teams fought for each point.
Their rivalry goes back for generations. The Mustangs were down two players for the weekend, but the other players rallied around and filled spots to keep the offense and defense on point.
"The game was exciting from the start to the last scores point," Coach Monica Halverson said.
"Raegan Burrows had a giant game with 14 kills, a solo block, an ace and 24 digs. That wouldn't have been possible without our setter Anna Happy. She is truly the captain of the ship because she gets to decide which player can best get the point. Her hard work and leadership has a huge impact on our team."
Happy had three aces, 16 assists and two digs.
Yasmine McKinney had an ace, three kills and 12 digs.
"Yasmine has been working hard to play both the middle and left outside positions this year. She stepped up and is getting smart and powerful when she hits," said Halverson. "Her defense in the back row is improving every practice and game."
Arya Garland had three aces, a kill and 17 digs. Kyra Cerini added two aces. Mia Canchola totaled a solo block, an assist and two digs. Aaliyah Allen racked up three solo blocks and a dig.
"We're happy Aaliyah is an active member of our team again as she continues to improve every day. She stepped back into the middle position this weekend and had some huge touches on blocks."
The Mustangs stayed overnight in Wells and woke up early. They traveled to Wendover to play the Wolverines. The Mustangs lost in three sets (25-27, 21-25, 20-25).
"The game started fast and furious and then we lost our energy and kept making fundamental mistakes. We led at the beginning of each set but let them come back in point by point and didn't fight back. Our focus was not where it needed to be," Halverson said. "Lack of communication and not working as a team was our downfall."
"I'm still proud of my girls for trying and dealing with fatigue from an overnighter. It will be different when we play them at home."
Yasmine Mckinney totaled 19 digs and six kills, finding the holes and hitting down the line. Raegan Burrows had 11 kills and 24 digs.
Anna Happy had two aces, a solo block, 19 assists and three digs.
Arya Garland had two aces and 30 digs. Aaliyah Allen had one kill.
"Arya was all over the court. She was determined to pick up all the hits coming off the Wolverine offense. She stepped up for her team," Halverson said.
Kyra Cerini had one kill and one dig. Mia Canchola added two kills, two assists and four digs.
"Mia is proving to be a huge asset to our team. Her confidence has grown each game and she is taking risks, stepping in to set the ball when Anna takes the first ball. Her serves are scoring points. I'm so proud of her."
Homecoming Week is full of activity. It's easy to get distracted but the coach calls for "practice with a purpose."
"It will help us compete like we should be during these games," she said.
The team and coaches hope for a big Lovelock turnout over Homecoming weekend.