By Coach Lonnie Flippen
The Junior High Lady Pirates played host to the Junior High volleyball teams from Marfa and Van Horn last Thursday, October 13th. The games were scheduled as a duel match but the Pirates only played the Shorthorns from Marfa. It has been a long time since the Valentine girls have been able to match up against Marfa and the wait was well worth the time as the Pirates took two games from the Shorthorns by scores of 25-21 and 25-17. The Pirates have been playing some of their earlier opponent’s younger, less experienced players, but this was Marfa’s true junior team.
The Pirates serving proved to be the reason for their success as Jaymie Sanchez, Samantha Kuhlman, Arleene Corral, and Jordan Miller combined for a total of19 serves without the Shorthorns being able to return the ball. Several of the serves were aces. Other Pirates that contributed to the big win were Cecilia Corral, Nevaeha Mora, Bela Oldham, Mickie Siddiq, and Natalie Sanders.
The Pirates travelled to Grandfalls for games with the junior high Cowgirls on Tuesday, October 18th. The Pirates fell in two games by scores of 25-18 and 25-16.
The Pirates were down 16-0 in their first game before making a strong comeback partially due to the serving of Nevaeha Mora who served seven straight points. Others who contributed to the comeback included Cecilia Corral, Samantha Khulman, and Jordan Miller.
The Pirates will close out their first year of volleyball in the last eight years when they travel to Wink on October 25th for a 4:00 game with the 7th grade Wildcats who beat the Pirates in two games earlier this year in Valentine.
The progress these young ladies have made this year is remarkable considering that none of the nine had ever played volleyball before. Their excitement and enthusiasm is apparent on game day as well as their daily practices. Coach Bianca Porras has done a great job introducing them to the game and hopefully this is just the beginning of a re turn to Valentine Pirate volleyball that looks like it may continue for several years to come.
