Pirate Volleyball Beats Bulldogs In Three Sets

By BOB SNELL

The Progress

The Moapa Valley girls volleyball juggernaut keeps rolling along.

After rallying late to win the first game, the Lady Pirates took control in winning the final two games to complete a 3-0 sweep over rival Virgin Valley on Thursday night, Oct. 14 in Mesquite.

Playing in front of a large and boisterous crowd, the Lady Pirates prevailed by scores of 26-24, 25-12 and 25-10.

The victory keeps Moapa Valley’s winning streak intact as the Lady Pirates have now won 13 consecutive matches to improve to 18-1 overall and 5-0 in 3A South Desert League play. Virgin Valley dropped to 4-15 overall and 3-2 in league play.

“We knew we would get an emotional response from Virgin Valley,” MVHS head coach Mandie Matheson said. “We expected them to give us a tough match. After that first game, we settled down and started playing.”

The Lady Pirates jumped out to an early 6-3 lead in the first game behind two service aces from Rachel Lyman. Led by Calla Haviland, the Lady Bulldogs outscored Moapa Valley 11-5. Haviland’s kill put Virgin Valley up 14-11.

After Halie Evans’ kill pulled the Lady Pirates even at 14-all, the Lady Bulldogs moved back in front 23-18 behind Haviland, who had two kills and three straight services points, including an ace.

The Lady Pirates regrouped behind a kill from Sydney Reese, one of 13 on the night recorded by the junior; a service ace from Talley Blackwell; and a block by Evans to pull even at 23-all. Reese’s kill, plus two unforced errors by Virgin Valley, gave Moapa Valley the win.

“We knew what we were facing. It was David versus Goliath,” VVHS head coach Robert Nelson said. “We came out and played well in that first game. If we could have just hung on. Who knows? We have to figure out how to finish.”

Led by kills from Reese and Evans, the Lady Pirates surged in front 16-6 in the second game before kills by Haviland and Evia Toone got Virgin Valley within 17-11. Moapa Valley responded by scoring three straight points and closed out the game with an 8-3 run.

Reese had a kill and block and Blackwell added a block as the Lady Pirates grabbed a 4-0 advantage in the third and final game.

Haviland and Toone each recorded a kill and service ace to keep the Lady Bulldogs close, drawing within 15-8, but Moapa Valley quickly ended any hopes of a Virgin Valley comeback.

Emily Matheson served eight consecutive points, including three aces, and Lyman had two kills sandwiched around a block, as the Lady Pirates went on a 9-0 run.
“The one thing I like about this team is they have each other’s back,” Mandie Matheson said. “If someone isn’t playing well, someone else will step up.”

Haviland led Virgin Valley with nine kills and seven digs while Marian Leavitt recorded 11 assists.