Last year, the Lady Panthers played a hard fought four sets in a 2011 season opening home win over 3A Pagosa Springs.
This year?
That wouldnt be necessary.
Montezuma-Cortez High School hosted Pagosa Springs again in the season opener for both teams Thursday night. But it was all Lady Panthers.
After an easy first set win for M-CHS, the visiting Pirates played close in the second frame.
However, home court prevailed. The Lady Panthers won the second and third sets to take the match, 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-13).
That second set, a lot of it we needed to try some things in the middle and try some things in our offense. I wanted them to play outside their comfort zone, M-CHS coach Barbara Chappell said. When youre running that quicker offense, you get it or not. They did a really good job. Then we went back to some safer things and they did a good job.
The 4A Lady Panthers (1-0) took care of business with poise and confidence over Pagosa Springs (0-1).
Its always nice to open with Pagosa. Theyre usually competitive, but we can work on our offense with them, Chappell said. Our passing was amazing last night. I was really pleased.
Danielle Waltman recorded a match high nine kills for M-CHS. Nickelle Oliver and Laurel Chappell had match highs in blocks (six) and assists (27).
Now, the Lady Panthers will hit the road to play another 3A Intermountain League team. But the competition will be much greater against a superb Bayfield program.
Bayfield is going to be tough, but these girls have it in them to play well. We have a lot of depth and they can all perform, coach Chappell said. I can put anyone anywhere and they can pull it off. Its nice to know that I can do that.
One of the greatest assets for the Lady Wolverines is their home environment.
Its a home game and their crowd is amazing. Its always a little distracting for our kids. It will be interesting to see how that affects our girls mentally, coach Chappell said. Volleyball is such a momentum game. If youre not in it mentally, everything can change.
The Lady Panthers and Lady Wolverines square off Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., in Bayfield.
It is the Lady Wolverines season opener.