By BOB SNELL
The Progress
Virgin Valley’s Riley Price has a commanding presence about her whether it’s on the hardwood floor or inside the pitching circle on a softball diamond.
Price made sure visiting Pahrump Valley felt her presence as she helped power the Lady Bulldogs to a 3-0 volleyball victory over the Lady Trojans on Thursday night, Sept. 8 inside the VVHS gym.
The 25-21, 25-19, 25-23 victory improved Virgin Valley to 3-1 in 3A Southern Conference play and 6-6 overall.
The win also washed out the bad taste of Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Boulder City. The Lady Eagles won by scores of 25-9, 25-13 and 25-14.
“We just hit the reset button after the Boulder City match,” VVHS head coach Robert Nelson said. “I thought we played a lot better tonight.”
A big reason for the improved play was because of Price. The senior had an outstanding night recording 17 kills, 13 digs, two blocked shots and two service aces.
Every time the Lady Trojans appeared to be on the verge of taking control, Price stepped up to make a momentum-turning play.
“I think we found our leader on the court tonight,” Nelson said. “Riley stepped up and took charge. We’ve been looking for someone to step up like that for us.”
Behind the serving of Kinzley Lee and Sweden Smith, VVHS pulled away from a 7-7 tie to grab a 15-9 advantage in the first game. After Pahrump Valley rallied within 16-14, Price and Smith had back-to-back blocks and Price added a kill to help Virgin Valley keep its advantage.
Trailing 17-14 in the second game, Sara Murri served nine consecutive points, including two aces, to put VVHS up 23-17. Price had two kills and a block during the run.
Virgin Valley had to rally again in the third game after falling behind 17-11.
Reggi Frei’s kill pulled the Lady Bulldogs even at 19-all and Price sandwiched two kills around a Marian Leavitt block, putting VVHS up 24-22 at match point.
“I thought we did a nice job of battling back when we got down,” Nelson said. “This was a good win for us.”
Murri had 21 assists and six digs to go along with three service aces for the Lady Bulldogs while Frei added 16 digs and three kills. Smith had 11 digs, two blocks, two aces and a kill with Evia Toone chipping in with five digs, four kills and three aces. Lee had six digs along with three aces.
In the loss at Boulder City, Murri had 11 assists and seven digs, Price five kills and four aces and Smith eight digs.
Virgin Valley will host Pinecrest Academy-Cadence Wednesday at 6 p.m.
