Lady Bucks look to get back in win column after tough week of volleyball
by Rhett Sifford
Sports Editor
The Monticello High School volleyball team is looking to get back in the win column after a tough week against some tough teams.
Following a straight-set loss to the rival San Juan Lady Broncos on October 1, the Lady Buckaroos suffered four-set losses to Dove Creek on October 8 and Valley October 10.
At home against Dove Creek, it was evident Monticello had prepared well for their Colorado rivals, giving the Lady Bulldogs all they could handle.
Dove Creek had to eke out a 25-20 win in set one before the Lady Bucks rallied to take control midway through the second set on the way to a 25-23 win.
With the match evened at a set apiece the two teams went to work again, going back and forth for the entire third set. Finally Dove Creek was able to seize the momentum and secure a 25-21 win.
The Lady Bulldogs continued to hold sway as the match entered the fourth set as Monticello finally began to wear down. Dove Creek took the set and the match victory 25-14.
Alise Lewis led Monticello with 14 kills in the game, Alli Young had six, and Marlee Mack got five. Josie Mack led with 13 assists and Makenna Peterson collected ten.
Makenna Peterson served up a team-high three aces while Marlee Mack, Lewis, and Kyleigh Adair all served 100 percent on the night. Marlee Mack led with two blocks and 17 digs. Lewis collected 14 digs.
On Thursday, October 10, the Lady Buckaroos came up against another tough foe in Valley. The Lady Buffalos were ranked fourth in the 1A RPI standings when the teams met in Orderville.
Monticello drew first blood, winning a hard-fought opening set 25-23. But Valley rallied to take the second set in an equally hard-fought 25-23 final.
The Lady Bucks struggled in the third set, falling by a score of 25-12. They were unable to rally in the fourth set as Valley kept them at arm’s length for a 25-21 win.
Lewis and Young combined for ten kills apiece against the Lady Buffalos. Josie Mack had 18 assists and Peterson contributed nine.
Lewis had a couple aces, five blocks, and 15 digs in the loss. Josie Mack led the team with 17 digs, Marlee Mack had 13, and Alli Young got 12.
Monticello dropped to 8-7 on the season with the losses but they’re 5-0 in region play and lead the Region 19 standings. They’re fourth in the 1A RPI standings with three home games left in the regular season.
The Lady Bucks played Whitehorse on Tuesday, October 15. They’ll host Pinnacle Academy on Thursday, October 17. Then Monument Valley visits the MHS gym on Tuesday, October 22.
Monticello has already beaten all three of those opponents in their first meetings this season, so they’re looking to sweep the season series against all three.