Cavegirls Knock Off Roswell

By Don Eskins

The Cavegirl volleyball team rallied to knock off the Roswell Coyotes in five sets in the Alien City on Thursday, October 30.

Although CHS has had trouble closing out teams in 2025, it was not so in their battle with the Coyotes. Even at 2-2 after the game’s first four sets, the Cavegirls snuck by Roswell in the fifth and deciding set 15-12 to down the Coyotes 3-2.

Carlsbad won the first set 25-29 but lost the second 16-25. Reloading, they grabbed the third set 25-23 but dropped the fourth 25-20 before winning the fifth set to take the match.

“Our kids played really well against Roswell, especially down the stretch. They learned a lot from their 3-2 loss with Clovis. So, they tightened things up against Roswell to get the win,” said Cavegirl head coach Taylor Hardison. “Playing at home, and the fact that it was senior night, helped to fire our kids up for the match too.

“Getting a win over Roswell was really big for our girls; it kept their hopes alive to move up the conference standings and possibly earn a berth in this year’s state tournament,” she said. “Our staff is so proud of all of our girls. Macie Stephens has especially been playing well; she’s been a powerhouse for us.”

The victory left CHS sitting at 2-3 and in third place in this year’s rugged District 4/5A play. After the win, they were 6-15 on the year.

On Thursday, November 6, CHS traveled to Hobbs to take on the Lady Eagles, a team they beat 3-1 earlier this season. Hobbs entered the match at 3-2 in district play and 8-14 on the year.

With a victory over the birds, they’d move up to second place, and possibly—although a long shot based on their overall record—earn a spot in this year’s state tournament as the District 4/5A runner-up.

“Our kids are excited and ready to take on the Eagles,” said Hardison as her girls prepared to trek to Hobbs. “They have a very positive mental frame of mind; they feel confident they can upend the Eagles again.

“Although our season has been up and down, our kids are young, competitive, and continue to improve every game,” said the Cavegirl coach. “We’ve had a good run throughout district play, so we’re hoping, with a win over Hobbs and a runner-up finish in conference play, that the NMAA selection committee might extend a berth in the state playoffs to our kids.”

The NMAA selection committee, which chooses which teams will compete in this year’s state tournament, will release the Class 5A bracket on Sunday, November 9.

Due to a Wednesday, November 5, deadline, the Carlsbad Local will not be able to report the results of the Cavegirl volleyball game with Hobbs. Results will be posted in the Friday, November 14, edition of the Local.

District 4/5A Standings

Team District Yr.

Clovis 4-1 11-10

Hobbs 3-2 8-14

Carlsbad 2-3 6-15

Roswell 1-4 3-19

As of Wednesday, November 5