Logan goes 1-2 in last week's matches

The Logan volleyball squad went 1-2 in matches last week, which may sound like a bad stretch for a typically strong Lady Longhorns program.

However, all three of Logan's matches were against state-ranked squads, including the defending champion in Class 1A and a perennial state-title contender in Class 2A.

On Saturday, Logan (7-3) lost to Class 1A champion and unbeaten Melrose 15-25, 20-25, 20-25 in the championship match of Vixen Volleyball Classic tournament at Fort Sumner.

Melrose defeated Santa Rosa, champion of the Tucumcari Invitational tournament the previous week, in Saturday's semifinal.

In the other semifinal Saturday morning, the Lady Longhorns downed host Fort Sumner 25-19, 22-25, 25-14, 25-20. The Vixens (2-1) are ranked third in Class 1A in the state coaches poll.

Logan coach Robert Young said he saw progress with his team over the weekend.

"We are improving in most of the areas we need to," he said. "Still too inconsistent at times. I thought our young players made some great strides in their play."

On Thursday, Logan hosted Texico, ranked No. 1 in Class 2A. The Wolverines (4-2) prevailed 25-18, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15.

Reece Goldston led Logan with nine kills, and Rilee Nials added eight.

The Lady Longhorns fell behind by sizable margins during the first two sets. In the third set, Logan made a defensive adjustment against Texico's attack and rallied to win that one.

"They got some tip hits early down, but then we started picking them up, adjusted and were able to attack," Young said. "That helped us quite a bit."

In the fourth and deciding set, the Wolverines embarked on an 8-0 run to seize back control.

"I thought we played pretty well overall," Young said. "A few sets, we got too far behind them, and they're too good to get too far behind.

"We're trying to find our game. We're working at it, but we look young at times. I thought both teams made some unforced errors, especially from the service line. We were a bit indecisive at times. We've got an older bunch and a younger bunch. I'm trying to figure out how to get them to meld together."

Texico coach Kristen Scanlan admired how her team battled through times of adversity during the match.

"I thought we overcame some hiccups that we had along the way," she said. "We're like Logan: We're still discovering, trying to get better. It will just take some confidence and playing a match at a time.

"And anytime you can beat Logan at home, that's a real positive."

Raton 3, Tucumcari 0

The Lady Rattlers turned in a flat performance on the road Thursday during a 20-25, 18-25, 18-25 loss against the host Tigers.

Tucumcari had defeated Raton in three sets just five days before, during the Tucumcari Invitational.

Tucumcari fell to 4-6.

Raton improved to 2-2.

San Jon 3, Floyd 0

The Coyotes improved to 4-3 with a 25-9, 25-14, 25-15 home victory Thursday against Floyd.

San Jon coach Jaree Elliott said Chantzee Elliott led her team in kills and Karlee Elliott led in aces.

"Our girls played their level of ball the entire time, and we got some of the younger blood in and playing different positions and gaining experience," Elliott said. "We worked an improved on things like placing serves and back-row hits. The girls played strong the entire match."

Floyd fell to 0-3.