With four wins in their last five matches, the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers volleyball team appears to finally be figuring things out.
Beginning last weekend’s play against defending Southwest League champion Fruita Monument on Friday, Sept. 20, the Panthers hung tough before losing in four sets, 13-25, 25-20, 23-25, 12-25.
Leading the Panthers in kills, with 18, was junior Naomi Pennecoose. Sophomore Beth Brown led the team in aces with six, while senior Mikkel Waltman led the team in digs with 20.
“We got off to a slow start,” said Panthers’ head coach Barbara Chappell. “We had a hard time with our passing and our serve receive. (Fruita is) definitely beatable, and that’s what we will focus on next time.”
Looking to get back to their winning ways against Grand Junction Central on Saturday, Sept. 20, the Panthers played well, recording a four-set victory, 25-12, 25-15, 22-25, 25-16.
“The team played really well. We hit well, passed well and played great defense,” Chappell said. “Everything came together for us against Central.”
Setting the pace for the Panthers against Central was Pennecoose, who led the team with 24 kills, six aces and 24 digs.
Immediately following their win over Central, the Panthers squared off against Palisade High School. Again, M-CHS looked strong, recording a straight-set victory, 25-19, 25-13, 25-16.
Pennecoose again led the team in kills with 12, while Brown, Abby Chupp and Laurel Chappell tied for the team lead in aces with four. Pennecoose and Chupp tied for the team lead in digs with 12.
With two wins on the weekend, the Panthers improved their overall season record to 8-4 and their Southwest League record to 1-1.
“I like the direction that our team is headed,” Chappell said. “I think that everyone in the league is beatable, and I think that we can be leaders in the league this year.”
Next up for the Panthers will be a home matchup against Grand Junction High School on Friday, Sept. 27, and a home matchup against Montrose High School on Saturday, Sept. 28.
imaclaren@cortezjournal.com