Elise Olivas and Natalie Gallegos go up for a block attempt against Arianna Jamerson in the first set. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Ariel Edkin returns a ball from the backcourt in the first set. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
SPORTS News:
If it could go wrong – it did for the Toppers in the game against the Cleveland Storm played Tuesday at the Cleveland High School Gymnasium in Rio Rancho.
The Storm, one of the top teams this year in District 5A, played solid defense and smart offense.
One bright spot for the Los Alamos Hilltoppers was the blocking of Natalie Gallegos, Elise Olivas, Ariel Edkin and Kaya Krantz with 19 blocks. The group shut down the two big hitting weapons for the Storm but the hitters adapted and scored on tips and pushes to the corners that the Hilltoppers could not defend as many fell for easy points.
Although this loss was humbling for the Toppers, it was another step in this team’s learning process. The team has the physical capability and once the “volleyball IQ” comes along, they will be prepared for a strong run in District 4A.
The Toppers continue to play one of the hardest strength of schedule in the District, which enables them to do well in 2-4A play.
Next up, Sept. 24 at Capital High School in Santa Fe.
Natalie Gallegos winds up for a spike attempt in the second set. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Adi Lechel blocks a spike attempt by Kelley George during the third set. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Nadia Gallegos bumps the ball to return it in the second set. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com