Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Caylee Benavidez prepares to serve during the Class 3A tournament at Rio Rancho. Benavidez earned all-state honors as a setter.
Tucumcari sophomore setter Caylee Benavidez earned first-team all-state honors in Class 3A when teams were announced Saturday by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association.
Two Logan players also earned second-team honors in Class 1A's all-state picks.
Benavidez, a varsity starter since her freshman year, led the Lady Rattlers with 523 assists and 255 kills and was second on the squad with 348 serve receptions.
Tucumcari sported a 16-9 record - its best in at least 15 years - and earned its second straight berth to the Class 3A playoffs.
Benavidez was a second-team all-state setter last season.
Tucumcari's district foe, Ruidoso, saw two second-team players: hitter Presley Huey and setter Itzel Gutierrez.
St. Michaels, which won the state championship, boasted five all-state players on the first team.
In Class 1A, defensive specialist Hailee Robertson and middle blocker Natalie Bongers earned second-team honors for Logan, which finished 18-9 and earned a postseason berth.
Bongers, who overcame shoulder problems this season, was a first-team all-state player last year.
District foe and Class 1A runner-up Melrose saw four players earn first-team honors in Class 1A.
Class 1A champion Gateway Christian saw three players land first-team honors.
