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Valencia downs Belen in first volleyball showdown
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TOME — In front of a boisterous crowd Tuesday on Pink Out Night, Valencia (14-5, 3-1) posted a 3-1 home-court victory over Belen (13-5, 2-2).
The entertaining match, 25-11, 25-18, 22-25 and 25-15, gave VHS second place in District 5-4A behind St. Pius.
It appeared VHS might sweep the Eagles, with Jaiden Montgomery slamming the first point home, one of her 19 kills. Valencia kept BHS out of sync, closing out the first game easily.
In game two, Belen’s Peyton Groff and Addison Soiles were hitting strong at the net, while Marissa Valdez and Lauren Fernandez made impressive digs to extend points.
Despite not being as sharp, Valencia captured the second game. Monique Chavez led the back row for the Jaguars, finishing with 26 digs.
Belen found rhythm in game three, a set that was tied at 4-4, 12-12, and 18-18. Mackenzie Soiles provided a big kill and Groff a huge block to propel the Eagles.
Eden Montgomery, Jaiden’s sister, continued harassing BHS at the net in game four, using her long reach and impeccable timing on her way to 14 kills and four blocks.
Valencia closed out the match, taking a big step toward earning a post-season berth.
“It was such an exciting game,” said Chavez, the VHS libero. “We all hustled and played as a team.”
Eden Montgomery was impressed with Belen, who the Jags face again Nov. 6.
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“They played really well and are very scrappy. They kept everything up.”
BHS coach Buddy York said the Eagles have work to do.
“We missed a lot of opportunities that we haven’t missed in the past,” York said. “You’ve got to play point to point to point.”
In the final set, officials reminded the fans to cheer positively, but overall the atmosphere was electric.
“It was amazing,” said Martha Sisneros, VHS coach. “To see both schools chanting on their team and cheering them on. It was just amazing. It was a rush.”
Also Tuesday, fourth-ranked Albuquerque High (16-3, 4-0) defeated visiting No. 7 Los Lunas (11-8, 3-1) for the third time, but their first meeting in District 5-5A.
The Bulldogs won 25-14, 25-15, 25-23 to take sole possession of first place.
