Lady Longhorns win district title

The Logan Lady Longhorns will begin pool play Thursday as the 1 seed in the 2A state volleyball tournament in Rio Rancho.

“The girls continue to show their heart, ability with every match they play,” said Robert Young, Logan head coach.

Young said the Lady Longhorns had some issues of communication and ball control during Saturday’s District 6-2A championship in Logan. He said those issues allowed Fort Sumner/House an opportunity to steal the third and fourth set forcing a fifth set.

The Lady Longhorns defeated the Vixens 3-2 for the District 6-2A championship.

Saturday’s district championship got off to a intense start, both teams wanting the first set battling until Logan won it 27-25.

“We have to be fearless,” said Karli Webb, Logan middle hitter.

Webb said the team needs to keep their eye on the ball until the play is over. She said in some instances the team though the play was over but the Vixens managed a return volley.

“We got caught out of place a few times,” Webb said. “We need to be focused at all times.”

Webb said the team has done a great job of improving their serve, receive play. She said the first pass is crucial to setting up the rest of the offense.

“With a good set our entire offense can be in play,” said Jordan Hines, Logan outside hitter.

Hines, who made several key plays against the Vixens, said when the team makes mistakes or falls behind they need to trust in one another and not get discouraged.

“We cant get down just because of a mistake,” said Kaylee Foote, Logan outside hitter. “It’s a lot easier said than done, but we can not afford to let an error or mistake determine the outcome of a set, game. We have to trust in each other and work hard to make it up on the next play.”

Hines said the team will need to start each pool play game with intensity, intensity that should hold until the end of the match.

Game time: Pool play will being at 4 p.m., Thursday at Rio Rancho.

The Tucumcari Lady Rattlers (4-17, 0-6) ended their season on Oct. 31 with a 3-0 District 5-3A tournament loss at Clayton. The San Jon Lady Coyotes (5-16, 1-9) ended their season on Oct. 30 with a 3-1 District 4-1A tournament loss at Floyd.