The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans volleyball team traveled to Boulder City on Wednesday, September 17, where they faced a tough Eagles squad in an exciting four-set contest. Despite falling 3-1, the Trojans showed resilience and energy throughout the night, nearly pushing the match to a decisive fifth set.
The opening set started strong for Pahrump Valley, with Henna Maiava serving and Heavenly Ware delivering an early spike to give the Trojans the lead. Riley Saldaña added key sets while Sedona Norton’s ace helped keep the score tight. Xe’ane Kamanu’s aggressive play at the net, including several spikes and an ace, combined with a timely block from Marayah Waller, gave the Trojans momentum. Contributions from Miani Freitas-Faamai on the front line and Ware’s powerful finishing at the net sealed the first set 25-22 for Pahrump.
Boulder City regrouped in the second set and jumped to an early 4-0 lead. The Trojans answered with spikes from Saldaña and Waller and a strong serving stretch from Maiava, including an ace to cut into the deficit. Kamanu’s net play and Ware’s late surge helped PVHS battle back from double digits down, closing the gap to 24-22 before narrowly dropping the set.
In the third set, the Eagles again built an early advantage, but the Trojans refused to fold. Kamanu’s aggressive swings, Ware’s timely kills, and serves from Myah Krolczyk fueled a late rally that brought Pahrump within striking distance. The Trojans pulled to within two at 22-20 before Boulder City held on for the 25-22 win.
The fourth set showcased the Trojans’ determination, as Norton’s serves, Waller’s spikes, and Kamanu’s defensive block gave Pahrump an early lead. Maiava added a key ace to put the Trojans ahead midway through the set, and the score stayed tight down the stretch. With the Eagles holding a narrow lead, Ware and Saldaña connected on crucial points to keep the Trojans in contention. Ultimately, Boulder City edged out the set 25-22 to close the match.
Head Coach Amber Lugo praised her team’s resilience while acknowledging areas for growth. “We came back from being way behind in both set two and three. Unfortunately, it was too little too late,” Lugo said. “The fourth set was ours to take, but we missed the mark. We’re still struggling to close, but the fight is there.”
The Trojans return home looking to build on the positives from their strong showing in Boulder City, with their eyes set on turning close sets into match wins.
