Over the past five seasons, the Montezuma-Cortez High School volleyball team has lost to Bayfield High School five times.
The Panthers latest loss came on Sept. 2 when the team traveled to Bayfield, and, unable to mount a significant attack, lost 25-18, 25-18, 25-18.
Despite her team’s one-sided loss however, M-CHS head coach Andi Pickens was not altogether displeased with her team’s effort.
“I think they did really well,” said Pickens of her players. “It wasn’t like Bayfield was crushing us.”
Even so, the hitting and blocking of Bayfield’s 6’6 senior, Kristie Hillyer unsettled the Panthers and made it difficult to score. In all, Hillyer totaled 16 kills, three aces and three blocks on the day.
“Honestly, any huge girl like (Hillyer) is going to be tough,” said Pickens. “Bayfield was a good team altogether though; it wasn’t just her.”
Providing a bright spot for the Panthers was junior setter Laurel Chappell, who led the Panthers with seven assists.
“Laurel did super good,” said Pickens. “Our passing wasn’t great, so she was everywhere on the court.”
Also playing well for the Panthers were senior Naomi Pennecoose and junior Kristin Pierce, who had seven kills and four kills, respectively.
“Kristen and Naomi did well all around,” said Pickens. “They did great hitting and passing.
With the loss, the Panthers fell to 3-2 on the season, while Bayfield improved to 2-1 on the year. Bayfield is currently ranked as the fifth best team in Class 3A.
Next up for the Panthers will be the Delta Tournament, which will take place in Delta, Sept. 5-6.
“We need to improve our mental game,” said Pickens of her team’s goals for the upcoming tournament.