The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans’ girls volleyball team kicked off their 2025 season with a busy two-day stretch at the Las Vegas Invitational, hosted by Sunrise Mountain. Over the course of seven matches, the Trojans gained valuable early-season experience and walked away with a 3-4 record, showing steady progress against strong competition from Nevada and beyond.
The tournament opened with a promising start as the Trojans took control against the American Heritage Academy Patriots, winning in straight sets 25-10 and 25-15. Heavenly Ware and Riley Saldaña both led with four kills each, helping the team secure their first victory of the season.
In their second matchup, the Trojans faced Southeast Career Tech. Despite a competitive effort in both sets, they fell 25-20 and 25-19. Ware tallied seven kills while Saldaña kept the defense moving with eight digs. The evening continued against California powerhouse Buchanan, where Pahrump was handed a 25-10 and 25-9 loss. Even so, Ware added four kills while Sedona Norton anchored the back row with five digs and 11 serve receives.
Saturday brought another full day of action, beginning with Sports Leadership and Management Academy (SLAM). The Trojans put points on the board but came up short in both sets, 25-16 and 25-17. Ware, Saldaña, and Xe’ane Kamanu each recorded four kills, while Nala Dalton set up seven assists and Norton collected 16 serve receives.
The team found their footing later in the day against Valley High School, earning a 2-0 win with scores of 26-24 and 25-19. Ware and Kamanu powered the offense with seven kills each, Norton contributed three ace serves as part of the team’s nine overall, Kamanu dug up 14 balls, and Dalton tallied 15 assists.
Momentum carried into the next contest as the Trojans fought past Bonanza in three sets, rebounding from a first-set loss to win 25-16 and 17-15. Saldaña led with eight kills, Ware and Dalton each dropped in two aces, and Marayah Waller came up big at the net with three blocks. Norton kept the defense steady with 18 digs and 15 serve receives.
The seventh and final match of the weekend came against Pinecrest Academy Cadence, stretching to a deciding third set. After a tough 25-9 opening loss, the Trojans answered with a 25-22 win, then narrowly fell 19-17 in the final frame. Kamanu stood out with 12 kills, Dalton delivered 16 assists and four aces, while Norton added 14 digs and 17 serve receives.
Head Coach Amber Lugo praised her team for their resilience and the lessons gained from the competition. “We went 3-4 this weekend. We saw some excellent competition and learned so much about where we need to truly spend time in development,” Lugo said. “We got better every match, and I am very proud of the girls for that. Even the few that have played club are very tired and sore today. Fatigue was a factor in our last match on Saturday, but they still found a way to push back and force a third set.”
For Lugo, the focus of this early season tournament was on growth rather than results. “These early season tournaments are to get valuable insights into what we need to work on. There is absolutely no pressure to win,” she explained. “We are growing in skill and strength.”
With one tournament now behind them, the Trojans will head right back into action this weekend at the Vegas Classic, giving them another chance to sharpen their play against a wide field of competitors. After that, they will return home on Monday to take on Boulder City, with all three teams—B, Junior Varsity, and Varsity—scheduled to play. Games will begin at 4 p.m., offering fans the first chance of the season to cheer the Trojans on their home court.
