Shyanne Garcia executes a pancake save as Hannah Bergemann backs her up. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

Michelle Macias spike-kills a ball over Larissa Rodriguez in the first set. Macias had 17 spike-kills for the night. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

By MIKE COTE
Sports
Los Alamos Daily Post

In the season finale for 2022, the Los Alamos Hilltopper volleyball team had a chance to continue its
string of four straight district titles.

But, although the Hilltoppers knocked off the Pojoaque Valley Elkettes in Jacona Friday night, the
Hilltoppers needed to win by a match score of 3-1 or better. With a big showing in the set that would
determine the district champion, Pojoaque Valley won handily to earn this season’s District 2-4A title.

Los Alamos did earn a 3-2 victory at Ben Lujan Gymnasium, however, giving itself a measure of revenge
over the Elkettes, who took a 3-1 decision in Los Alamos in mid-October.

The Hilltoppers finish as the 2-4A runners-up. The Hilltoppers had earned four straight titles prior to the
Elkettes’ win this season.

That match was broadcast on the Los Alamos Daily Post’s YouTube channel.

Los Alamos won the first set Friday night 25-21 to get the upset bid started on the right foot, but
Pojoaque Valley (17-3 overall, 7-1 in district) took the second set 25-22, leaving Los Alamos no room for
error.

The teams traded sets three and four, with the Hilltoppers winning the third 25-22 and Pojoaque taking
the fourth, 25-13, before the Hilltoppers grabbed the decisive fifth set 15-5.

That fourth set was the district clincher for the Elkettes, who dominated in that set, led by an
outstanding individual performance from freshman outside hitter Larissa Rodriguez, who had 3 spike
kills in the set and dominated on the defensive end.

For Los Alamos (17-6, 7-1), the offense was spearheaded by Michelle Macias, who had a match-high 18
spike kills, 5 of those coming in the first set to get Los Alamos’ upset attempt started on the right foot.
Ashley Hammond added 11 spike kills, including 4 in the fifth set to close out the contest – Hammond
also had a team-high 15 digs.

Setter Angelina Passalacqua earned 45 assists Friday against Pojoaque Valley.

Los Alamos earned an at-large bid into the 2022 state playoffs. Los Alamos, which was awarded a 6 seed, will face 11th -seeded Gallup Thursday at the Rio Rancho Event Center.

Pojoaque Valley is the No. 5 seed in the tournament and will face 12th -seeded Santa Teresa, also
Thursday in Rio Rancho.

Both matches are scheduled for 9:45 a.m.

Gianna Benelli digs a ball into play. She had 13 digs for the night. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

Michelle Macias digs a ball in the back court as Anna Kirkland backs her up. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Angelina Passalacqua serves up a ball. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

Angelina Passalacqua and Callie Goda block a spike attempt by Sonya Quintana. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com