Back-to-Back Wins for Cavegirl Volleyball

By Don Eskins

The Carlsbad Cavegirls volleyball team, 4-11 on the year, battled its way to straight set victories over the Chaparral Lobos on Saturday, September 27, and the Alamogordo Tigers on Tuesday, September 30.

It was the first time this season that head coach Taylor Hardison’s young girls have registered back-to-back wins. The Cavegirls downed the 2-11 Lobos 25-17, 25-19, and 25-18, and the 5-7 Tigers 26-24, 25-16, and 25-22.

“Our girls couldn’t have been more excited after downing Alamogordo,” said Hardison. “It’s the first time this season they’ve been on a winning streak.”

Although the Cavegirls knew what to expect from Chaparral, not so for Alamogordo.

“We really didn’t know much about them. We’d gotten to watch a little bit of film on them, but that was about all. But, after a bit of a rough start, our girls were able to keep their spirits up to sweep the Tigers in straight sets,” said the Cavegirl coach. “They were consistent, aggressive, served and serve received well. Our coaching staff was so proud of the way they battled the Tigers to get the win.”

According to Hardison, several of her girls stepped up big in CHS’s win over Alamogordo.

“Macie Stephens served really well for us, and Jazmarijah Sandoval registered some great kills that kept our team pumped up throughout the match,” she said. “Elizabeth Tyndorf also had a big game. We were especially tough in the middle.”

So, just what has helped the Cavegirls to turn their fortunes around?

“We had gotten ourselves in somewhat of a rut this season. We just didn’t seem to be clicking. But we made some changes in our lineup and rotation,” said Hardison. “It forced our kids to refocus, and it’s proven to have rekindled their drive. They’re playing well now. Hopefully, the momentum we’ve gained following our wins over Chaparral and Alamogordo will carry over throughout the rest of the season.”

The Cavegirls will take on the Goddard Rockets on Tuesday, October 7. On Tuesday, October 14, they’ll open District 4/5A play against the Clovis Wildcats in Carlsbad.

“Right now, it appears that most of the teams in District 4/5A are competing on the same level,” said Hardison. “If we keep improving, I think our girls, as young as they may be, will have a great shot at capturing this year’s conference title.”

Note: District 4/5A season records through October 1: 1. Clovis 6-9, 2. Carlsbad 4-11, 3. Hobbs 4-11, and 4. Roswell 1-12.