'Higher expectations' on Rattler volleyball

If the Tucumcari varsity volleyball team doesn't see a lot of improvement, it won't be from a lack of effort.

Following a 4-17 season marred by injuries and inexperience last year, third-year coach Dana Benevidez said her players took several off-season steps to improve their skills. Those included a players' camp at Eastern New Mexico University, a team camp at Adams State University in Colorado, a "play day" event in Texico and open-gym workouts in July.

"We have much higher expectations," she said. "I see the underclassmen coming on and stepping it up."

The Rattlers face a stern test with their first match of the season at home Thursday against regional power Melrose. The junior varsity match starts at 4:30 p.m., with the varsity to follow.

The Rattlers bring back two returning starters. One is all-district outside hitter Jasmine Jones, a 5-foot-9 junior who logged a 60 percent kill rate last season.

"I expect big things from her," Benavidez said. "She's a dominant player, and she's a great server and a great passer, as well."

Benavidez also likes what she's see from all-district honorable mention Bryanna Arias, a senior libero, or backcourt defensive specialist.

"She's a highly skilled passer and does a really great job," the coach said. Another senior, Kalami French, didn't play last season because of a hand injury. She aims to make her final year a memorable one as a setter.

"She's stepped up to the position and has become an excellent setter," Benavidez said. "And she's really fast, too. She's a true leader." Benavidez said she expects significant varsity roles for middle blockers Julianna Salas, Glorianna Salas and Lenoria Trujillo and hitters Maria Vasquez, Alyssa Martinez and Lorin Chavez. In district play, Benavidez said she expects tough opposition from Dexter and Tulsarosa.

Logan

It's a tough act to follow after the Class 2A state championship. But Logan volleyball head coach Robert Young, entering his seventh season, still sees areas of improvement for the Longhorns.

"Our skills were good, but we want to be more consistent in some areas and have more communication on the floor," Young said. "We were a little too quiet. We need to talk more."

Still, it's hard to fault a team that went 21-3 and ran off a 14-match win streak en route to the state title. Young acknowledged his team exudes confidence after that big season.

"Yes, we're excited, and we're working hard right now," he said. Logan, a team that returns nine players from its 2017 roster, faces its first test of the season during the Logan Tournament, a three-day event that begins Thursday.

Among the players from which Young said he expects good seasons include senior outside hitter Harlie Roach, senior libero Cassidy Cordova, junior setter and middle hitter Jordan Hines, junior setter and middle hitter Karli Webb and freshman outside hitter Kassi Foote.

Grady / San Jon / House

The Bronchos, based in Grady, are going through their first year of a cooperative agreement with the San Jon and House school districts.

With several unfamiliar faces, first-year coach Rebecca Burns emphasized the players getting to know each other.

"We kind of made it a point to get together more so we could work together on the court better," she said.

The Bronchos have three returning starters from Grady: setter and hitter Leah Starbuck, outside hitter Yara Sotelo and outside hitter Timia Northcutt. Burns said she's also counting on sophomore middle hitter Taryn Foote of San Jon.

No players from House have enlisted with the team.

"I think our strength is our quickness, and we're trying to run the offense with that in mind," Burns said. "We also have two pretty strong setters, so I think we'll do well with that."

Burns noted there are no nights off for her team during district play against Logan, Fort Sumner and Melrose.

"With two state champions, there are no weak teams in that division," she said.