THS setter wins third all-state honor

Tucumcari junior setter Caylee Benavidez earned all-state honors for a third time in her volleyball career when the Class 3A team was announced last week by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association.

Also, four players from Logan's state semifinal team earned all-state honors in Class 1A.

Benavidez was a second-team all-state selection in Class 3A. She also was a second-team all-state pick as a freshman and a first-team selection as a sophomore.

She led the Lady Rattlers with assists (602), service aces (63) and hitting percentage (.302), was second on the team in digs (242) and kills (166) and third in blocks (38) and serve receptions (193).

Tucumcari logged its best season in school history with a 20-7 mark, notched a district title and won an unprecedented two matches at the Class 3A tournament.

Class 3A champion St. Michael's dominated the all-state list, with a total of nine selections.

For the Lady Longhorns, senior defensive specialist Hailee Robertson, junior outside hitter Haylie Bidegain and senior middle blocker Kaylee Williams each earned first-team honors in Class 1A.

Logan senior defensive specialist Bella Coronado earned second-team honors.

Logan finished with a 19-6 record and a district championship and advanced to the Class 1A semifinals, losing to runner-up Gateway Christian.

Class 1A champion Melrose earned a total of five all-state honorees.