The Pahrump Valley High School varsity girls’ volleyball team opened its road match against Coronado with a competitive first set before the Cougars pulled away for a three-set victory Thursday, Sept. 10.
Pahrump remained within a point of Coronado through the early portion of the opening set. Riley Saldaña recorded an early kill when her attack was blocked back onto Coronado’s side of the court, while Mahina Decambra made a running set that allowed Saldaña to put away another point.
Xe’ane Kamanu helped the Trojans through a long rally by placing a soft attack into an opening on Coronado’s side, keeping Pahrump within one at 6-5. Henna Maiava later delivered a kill off the block and added an ace as the Trojans continued working to cut into the Cougars’ lead.
Coronado created separation midway through the set, but Pahrump continued competing late. Olivia Veloz scored on a quick set before Maiava followed with another ace, bringing the Trojans within 24-15. The Cougars secured the next point to close the set, 25-15.
The Trojans carried their energy into the beginning of the second set and scored the first three points. Maiava opened from the service line before Saldaña connected on a back-row attack. Veloz followed with a quick-set attempt that resulted in another Pahrump point, and Kamanu’s attack from the left side was blocked out to give the Trojans a 3-0 advantage.
Coronado answered, but Pahrump continued trading points with the Cougars. Veloz’s tip fell on Coronado’s side after touching the block, and the teams remained even at 6-6. Sedona Norton later served during another productive stretch that helped the Trojans move in front, 10-9.
Saldaña helped Pahrump stay close with consecutive kills as the Trojans narrowed Coronado’s lead to 16-14. She added a tip for another point, while Kamanu later powered an attack off the rafters as Coronado attempted to make the dig. The Cougars used their blocking at the net to finish the set with a 25-18 win.
Kamanu provided several of Pahrump’s highlights in the third set. Her serve rolled over the net for an ace, and she followed with a back-row kill that tied the set at 3-3. Coronado then established control with a lengthy scoring run.
The Trojans continued looking for opportunities despite the deficit. Saldaña won a contest at the net to bring a loose ball down on Coronado’s side, while Kamanu added a tip and another kill. Maiava delivered an ace during Pahrump’s final scoring stretch before the Cougars completed the match with a 25-8 third-set victory.
Although Coronado earned the sweep, Pahrump’s early leads, varied attacks and continued effort produced several encouraging moments against a strong opponent.
