The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans’ junior varsity volleyball team showed poise and power on the road Thursday, September 4, earning a 2-0 sweep over the Cristo Rey Royals. From the opening serve to the final point, the Trojans executed strong serving, sharp net play, and relentless energy to secure the win.
The first set was a battle of momentum swings. McKinsey Nottingham opened with a series of hard spikes, giving the Trojans an early spark. Olivia Veloz followed with an ace to extend the lead, and Sarah Penner kept the Royals on their toes with pressure at the net. Cristo Rey managed to tie the score at 10-10 after several missed returns, but Nottingham delivered a crucial block to swing momentum back. Veloz hammered home a spike for another point, and moments later she stepped behind the service line and went on a run of aces that proved to be the difference. With steady support from teammates on defense, the Trojans pulled away late and took the set 25-19.
The second set highlighted the Trojans’ growing confidence. Autumn Colon got things started with a back-row spike that dropped in for the first point, while Nottingham’s serves forced the Royals into repeated errors as Pahrump jumped to a 9-3 lead. Cristo Rey called a timeout to regroup, but the Trojans kept rolling. Ava Bowers added a smart one-handed tap over the net, and Colon connected again from behind the line to widen the gap.
Veloz took over from the service line midway through the set, rattling off multiple aces in a row as Cristo Rey struggled to handle her pace and placement. The entire Trojan squad kept up the pressure in the set with long volleys and quick adjustments.
With the Trojans leading 23-6, Cristo Rey fought off one rally, but Emily Zargoza sealed the match with a decisive spike to the far corner, closing out the set 25-7.
It was a complete team effort for Pahrump Valley. The Trojans’ balanced attack and consistent serving allowed them to control the pace and keep Cristo Rey on their heels throughout the evening.
With this victory, the JV Trojans demonstrated their depth, energy, and growth as a unit.
