PREP ROUNDUP
Volleyball
What happened: The Lady Wolves have found a formula that is very effective: strong serving and tough defense that lead to an early advantage. It worked again against the Lady Dragons, as Waldorf won Game 1 and overcame a sloppy second game to win, 25-17, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22, in Christian Life Academy. Waldorf head coach Jon Caley credited junior Nina Otero for closing out the match, recording four straight service points to erase a 22-21 deficit in Game 4.
Top players: Caley said the serving of Otero and fellow junior captain Amiyah Dant has helped Waldorf to a 4-1 record, and they did their part against Monte del Sol. Rowen Midgette had three kills in Game 4 for the Lady Wolves. Daisy Ortiz paced the Lady Dragons with 15 assists and 10 digs, four aces and seven kills. Krista Terrazas had 12 kills and 11 digs. What’s next: Waldorf take on Maxwell on Thursday at home. Monte del Sol (2-5) travels to Pecos on Thursday.
What happened: The young, inexperienced Blue Griffins didn’t roll over against the 4A Lady Hilltoppers, and were able to make them sweat in Games 1 and 3 before Los Alamos went on to a 25-20, 25-13, 25-18 sweep in Griffith Gymnasium. Prep head coach Kiran Bhakta saw glimmers of hope when his team was able to pass the ball well. It helped the Blue Griffins transition into their offense and get some good swings for their hitters.
Top players: Nicole Gonzales led the Prep attack with 13 kills had an assist, a block and three aces. Emma Anderson recorded
11 assists.
What’s next: Prep (4-2) takes part in Santa Fe Indian School’s 20-team Dig Pink Classic that starts Friday. Los Alamos (5-3) plays Albuquerque Sandia Prep on Wednesday.
What happened: The Elkettes were in control from start to finish of their 25-14, 25-23, 25-6 nondistrict sweep of the Lady Braves in Ben Luján Gymnasium. Serving again set the tone for Pojoaque, as four players recorded at least three aces, with Anica Urioste leading the way with five.
Top players: Setter Taylor Quintana had 30 assists to go with four aces to pilot the offensive attack. Adrianna Rodriguez had 12 kills, 16 digs and three aces. Sonya Quintana and Larissa Rodriguez each had five blocks. What’s next: Pojoaque (5-4) heads to Bernalillo on Thursday. SFIS (4-4) plays host to its Dig Pink Classic on Friday.
Boys soccer
What happened: It was a typical match in the bandbox at Sandia Park. The small, sloping field can be quite the equalizer, but not to start this nondistrict match. Prep jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first five minutes of the match, but it was enough to hold off the stubborn Timberwolves. The field was so small that Mike Vimont scored a goal on the second-half kickoff — which is the second time he has done that this year.
Top players: Vimont assisted on the Blue Griffins’ other two goals, by Asher Nathan and Yuto OKatani. Mateo Gilbert had nine saves in goal.
What’s next: Prep (3-2-1) takes on Monte del Sol on Saturday at the Municipal Recreation Complex.
What happened: The Horsemen started slow on the fast turf at Jaguar Field, struggling to possess the ball as Capital took a 1-0 lead into the break. St. Michael’s saw improved passing, and it led to an equalizing goal by Oliver Rosales on a penalty kick in the 65th minute. A familiar problem reemerged the rest of the way for Horsemen, as they managed 10 shots on goal but could not find the golden goal in the two overtimes.
Top players: Rosales had the lone goal for St. Michael’s, while goalkeeper Daniel Dominguez had three saves for the Horsemen.
What’s next: St. Michael’s (4-4-1) entertains Taos on Thursday at Christian Brothers Athletic Complex. Capital (2-4-2) takes on Monte del Sol at the Municipal Recreation Complex on Thursday.
Girls soccer
What happened: The Lady Timberwolves scored quickly, staking themselves to a 2-0 lead that held up even as the Blue Griffins found their rhythm and played inspired soccer the rest of the nondistrict match in Sandia Park. East Mountain outshot Prep 15-6, but Prep head coach Rennae Ross said her defense really stepped up after the sluggish start.
Top players: Eighth grade goalkeeper Maya Crawford was a crucial part of Prep’s improved defense as she collected nine saves. Marley Belyeu had a shot on goal that East Mountain goalie Rylee Allen made a good save on to preserve her shutout.
What’s next: Prep (1-3) heads to the MRC to play Monte del Sol on Saturday.