Monticello volleyball team hands Monument Valley first loss of the season in straight sets

by Rhett Sifford
Sports Editor
Coming into the past week the Monument Valley volleyball team was 5-0 on the season, ranked #1 in the 2A RPI standings. When they traveled to Monticello on Tuesday, September 19 the rival Lady Buckaroos were chomping at the bit to “upset” the Lady Cougars.
It was an anticipated matchup that ultimately fizzled a bit once it began on the floor of the MHS gymnasium. Monticello made quick work of their foe, downing Monument Valley in straight sets 25-14, 25-19, and 25-16.
Following their first loss of the season the Lady Cougars continued a busy week on the road with a trip to Price on Friday, September 22 to take on Pinnacle Academy. They cruised to a very easy straight-sets win over the Lady Panthers 25-9, 25-8, and 25-18.
On their way back home from Price Monument Valley stopped in Green River to conclude their season series with the Lady Pirates in a 1A Region 19 showdown.
It was a closer battle than the previous night, but once again it was all Lady Cougars in a straight-sets win, 26-24, 25-23, and 25-16.
Though they suffered their first loss of the season, it was still a great week for Monument Valley. They’re currently 7-1 on the year, now second in the 1A standings behind 14-4 Panguitch.
Following the busy week, it’s a bit more laid back this week though they’ll play their fourth and fifth games in a row on the road. They’ll face Red Mesa in Teec Nos Pos, AZ on Wednesday, September 27 then Rock Point, AZ the following night.
After downing the Lady Cougars, Monticello took the rest of the past week off. As they enter this week they’re 7-8 on the season, ranked seventh in the 1A standings.
The Lady Bucks are set for a busier week with games at Whitehorse on Tuesday, September 26, at home versus Green River on Thursday, September 28, and at Montezuma-Cortez on September 29.