Lady Panthers take Dora down in 3
By John Earp and Chloe Earp
At the start of last Thursday night’s volleyball match against the Dora Lady Coyotes, the national anthem recording wouldn’t start playing. Superintendent Brian Snider started it out and the Jal Girls, along with the crowd, carried it on, for what was definitely a special rendition.
The Jal Lady Panthers Volleyball Team (3-2) looked strong at home against the Dora Coyotes (0-4), winning three games in a row to win the match, 25-16, 25-16, and 25-19. There were a good amount of rallies throughout the match, and Lady Panthers held their lead steadily through each of the games. Dora was never ahead, only matched or behind. In the second game, there was more back and forth with the points but the girls ultimately won the second match by 10 points after battling it out for the last few points. The Lady Coyotes got some fire in them by the third game. The score remained close throughout until the end where the Jal Lady Panthers won the third and final match, 25-19.
Natalia Rivera leads the Lady Panthers thus far in kills, with 18. She is right behind Anysia Herrera with 1.1 kills per set (Herrera has 1.4). Amylah Melancon leads in blocks with 3 and also has 1.1 kills per set. Kaedyn Lujan leads the team with 12 serving aces. Abigail Dardon follows closely behind with 10 serving aces. Yamileth Lujan leads with 58 digs, 7 serving aces and 89 receptions. Alexa Talavera leads with 43 assists.
The Lady Panthers face the Lovington Lady Wildcats (0-4) in an away game this Thursday the 5th at 6:00 p.m. Jal is presently tied with Eunice at 3-2 for first place in 2A District 4. This year is looking to be one in which the Lady Panthers are very competitive in their highly competitive district. (Photos courtesy of NMTXSports)
