After breezing through its first 12 games of the season, the Montezuma-Cortez High School volleyball team hit a roadblock last weekend.
Opening a two-game road swing against Fruita Monument on Sept. 26, the Panthers lost in four sets, 25-22, 22-25, 22-25, 22-25.
Leading the way for M-CHS was senior Naomi Pinnecoose, who had 28 kills and 31 digs.
“Naomi has showed improvement in mental aspects of the game,” wrote M-CHS head coach Andi Pickens. “She led our team not only with her attitude, but with her kills and digs as well.”
Also enjoying strong statistical performances for the Panthers were Abby Chubb, who had four blocks, and Laurel Chappell, who had 36 assists.
Playing on the road against Montrose on Sept. 27, M-CHS lost 25-15, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20.
Pinnicoose again led the Panthers in kills and digs with 24 and 25, respectively. Chappell led M-CHS with 32 assists.
“Montrose is pretty good,” said Pickens. “I think we could have had them if we were playing our game like we should have been.”
M-CHS dropped to 10-4 on the season and 2-2 in the Southwest League.
Next up for the Panthers will be a road match against Durango on Oct. 2. Durango sports a 9-6 overall record and a 2-2 record in the Southwest League.
“I’m pretty excited to play Durango,” said Pickens. “Our goal is to beat them in three. They’re going to be a tough team, but it gives us a confidence boost that we won a set against Montrose and Durango did not.”