The Pahrump Valley High School Lady Trojans volleyball team put up a strong fight in their 3A Southern Regional Quarterfinal matchup against the Moapa Valley Pirates on Monday, October 27, in Moapa. Though the Trojans ultimately fell in four sets, the team’s determination, teamwork, and flashes of exceptional play reflected the progress they’ve made this season and the heart they brought into postseason competition.
In the opening set, the Lady Trojans kept pace early behind strong play from Heavenly Ware and Henna Maiava, whose ace serve tied the game at 2-2. Defensive efforts from Nala Dalton and Riley Saldaña kept several long rallies alive, but Moapa’s consistent serving and well-placed hits pushed them ahead 25-13.
The second set showcased the Trojans’ best rhythm of the night, as they came out attacking with confidence. Marayah Waller opened with a series of powerful spikes, quickly helping Pahrump to a 4-0 lead. Heavenly Ware added an ace and several key digs, while Xe’ane Kamanu and Miani Freitas-Faamai contributed decisive kills that kept momentum on Pahrump’s side. The set tightened midway through, with both teams trading points in fast-paced rallies. The Trojans held firm through several ties before closing out the set 25-23 to even the match at one apiece.
Game three saw another hard-fought battle. Amaliah Mendoza’s serving helped spark an early lead, including two aces that energized the Trojans’ bench. Kamanu continued to deliver with strong attacks from the outside, and Waller’s presence at the net proved vital with a series of blocks and tips. Despite the Trojans’ energy and teamwork, Moapa’s deep serves and quick transitions gave them the edge late in the set, securing a 25-17 win.
In the final set, the Trojans refused to go quietly. Waller, Kamanu, and Freitas-Faamai each connected on crucial kills, while Saldaña and Madison Rodriguez stepped up defensively to extend rallies. Pahrump battled back from an early deficit to close the gap to within two points late in the set, showing resilience and focus under pressure. Despite the 25-22 loss, the Lady Trojans left the court with their heads held high, having given one of their toughest opponents all they could handle.
Head Coach Amber Lugo praised her players’ fight and spirit, noting that moments in the match highlighted the team’s growth this season. “The girls had moments of absolute brilliance,” Lugo said. “There was one rally where Marayah blocked the outside, the middle and then the right side—it was impressive and so fun to watch. Xe played great and led our team with kills (13), followed by Marayah with 10 and Miani with 8.”
Lugo acknowledged the challenges her team faced, especially against Moapa’s strong serving. “We struggled on serve receive and some defense, but I won’t take anything away from Moapa,” she said. “They are a very tough serving team and place the ball really well. I know in my heart we definitely could have won, but we just let it get away in the end.”
As the season came to a close, Lugo reflected on the senior class and the impact they’ve had on the program. “It is very hard to say goodbye to these seniors,” she said. “They are a special group that accepted me and my methods wholeheartedly and gave it their all every day. I am very blessed to have been a part of their journey.”
Looking ahead, the coach expressed optimism about the team’s future. “We have key varsity returners in the main positions next season with Xe, Riley, Sedona, Miani, and Henna,” Lugo said. “The team will round out with the talent pool in the lower levels, and we should keep improving our standings. My focus is to keep developing high volleyball IQs, skills, and grit.”
While the playoff run ended sooner than hoped, the Lady Trojans’ performance against Moapa Valley showcased their heart, their growth, and the solid foundation they’ve built for seasons to come.
