After a tough non-league schedule that included two tournaments in Las Vegas against quality competition, the Virgin Valley boys volleyball team can now turn their attention to league play.

Except for a non-league home match against Desert Hills of St. George, Utah, on April 8 and a road match against 4A Eldorado in Las Vegas April 28, the defending 3A state champions will be facing 3A Desert League foes the remainder of the season in a quest to qualify for postseason play.

The Bulldogs have gone 5-13 so far in non-league play but have a clean slate heading into league matches.

“We’re still growing as a team,” VVHS head coach Kortney Tobler said prior to the start of league play. “We’ve played some really good teams and, hopefully we’ll learn and keep getting better and have a good league season.”

Virgin Valley got off on the right foot in league play by defeating Doral Academy Red Rock 3-1 last Thursday night in Las Vegas. The Bulldogs won by scores of 17-25, 25-14, 25-21 and 25-19.

Senior Dallen Moeai had 12 kills, 14 assists and 12 digs, while senior Alonzo Roque had 16 assists, 12 digs and five service aces to lead the way for the Bulldogs. Senior Parker Jensen chipped in with 14 kills and senior Aiden Muniz added 20 digs.

Following the win at Doral Academy, Virgin Valley participated in the annual Aggie Invitational at Arbor View High School in North Las Vegas Friday and Saturday.

The Bulldogs went 2-5 in tournament play over the two-day event. VVHS notched 2-0 victories over Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon (25-23, 25-15) and Legacy of North Las Vegas (25-19, 25-23) while falling to Basic Academy of Henderson, Centennial of North Las Vegas, Cimarron-Memorial and Desert Oasis of Las Vegas and Sweetwater of National City, California.

“We had some tough matches,” Tobler said. “But it’s good for us to play those schools. We learn a lot and it gives us valuable experience for league play.”

Virgin Valley will host rival Moapa Valley Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the VVHS main gym. The two teams met a couple of weeks ago in a non-league match in Overton with the Pirates prevailing 3-1.

“Our skills are coming around,” Tobler said. “We’re still working hard and trying to get better. We have a good group of boys and hopefully our best is yet to come.”

Virgin Valley will play at The Meadows School in Las Vegas April 7 before hosting Desert Hills the following day. The Bulldogs will cap three matches in a three-day span by hosting American Heritage of Las Vegas on April 9 at 6 p.m.