Monument Valley Volleyball wins 2 of 3, Whitehorse HS seeks first victory

by Rhett Sifford
Sports Editor
Coming into the month of September, the Monument Valley and Whitehorse volleyball teams had played just one game combined.
Since September 1, the Cougars have won two of their first three matches. The Raiders have struggled a bit, going 0-6.
We already reported Monument Valley’s September 1 straight-sets win over Canyon View in the San Juan Record, along with Whitehorse losses to Tohatchi and Green River.
The Cougars’ next match, on September 13 was the first Battle of the Drum of the season when they welcomed the Whitehorse Raiders to the MVHS gym.
Though it’s always an exciting matchup that garners an energetic crowd, Monument Valley made quick work of their rivals, winning in straight sets 25-15, 25-17, and 25-13.
A week later, in their most recent match, the Cougars again faced a local rival, this time with Monticello in town. The Buckaroos turned the tables on Monument Valley, sweeping them 25-11, 25-18, and 25-16.
It’s possible there are some scores that have gone unreported, but officially Monument Valley is 2-1 on the season, ranked 13th in the 1A RPI standings.
Following the Raiders’ loss to the Cougars on September 13, Whitehorse has suffered straight-sets losses to Green River, Monticello, and Pine Hill, NM.
They’re 0-6 on the year according to the Utah High School Activities Association, ranked 22nd among Utah 1A volleyball teams.
Both teams are gearing up for a final Battle of the Drum to close out their regular season series on Thursday, October 6 but they’ll both meet some Region 23 opponents before that takes place.
Monument Valley will face the #19 Pinnacle Panthers in Price this Friday, September 30 then head to Green River to take on the #16 Pirates on Saturday, October 1. Whitehorse will play Pinnacle on the road next Tuesday, October 4.