By Mike Donahue
Moapa Valley Progress
The Moapa Valley Empowerment High School Lady Pirates varsity volleyball team continued its winning ways last week playing some excellent ball in two matches against Las Vegas schools.
In order to win last Wednesday against The Meadows School Mustangs, the Pirates were forced to play consistently tough pulling out a squeaker at home 25-21, 25-21 and 26-24. Friday, however, MVHS flattened the Mojave High School Rattlers 25-11, 25-13 and 25-22.
“We had some sparks of some really good volleyball,” said Coach Mandie Matheson after Wednesday’s game. “Our passing was right on the money and resulted in some tough points. Jeanne Schlaefli came off the bench and served very well at a critical time.”
Principal Grant Hanevold, who attended the game, said he was impressed with the quality of play by the Lady Pirates.
“The team looked very strong,” Hanevold said. “It was close but the girls pulled it through. Sometimes, it all comes down to how long the team’s played together and how well they’re coached and we have excellent coaches.”
Notable statistics at Wednesday’s game include nine kills and 11 digs by Emma Eira; seven service aces by Ashley Noto; eight digs by Sierra Kimbrough, and five kills by Malary Reid.
In last Friday’s match against the Rattlers, Matheson said Makenzey Staley was a standout who played consistently well making some big kills. Staley also had 27 assists in the match. Emma Eira earned three service aces and had nine kills.
“Overall it was a great game,” Matheson said. “Everyone on the team got play time and everybody played well.”
