CHS Soccer, Volleyball Roundup Cavemen, Cavegirl Soccer Opens District Play

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1 hour ago

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By Don Eskins

On Tuesday, September 29, in Carlsbad, the Cavemen soccer team will open District 4/5A play against the Hobbs Eagles. The 11-0-1 Eagles, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A soccer and statewide, promise to be more than just a stern test for CHS.

Since opening up 2026 play against the Santa Teresa Desert Warriors on August 17, Carlsbad’s boys have dropped 11 of 14 games.

But, as first-year Cavemen head coach Aaron Babcock sees it, despite the growing pains associated with young teams, even at 2-11-1 his charges have enjoyed a pretty productive season as they get set to take on the Eagles.

“No doubt, district play is going to be really tough this year. Hobbs, dominating New Mexico soccer right now, looks really solid and the clear favorite to capture this year’s conference title,” said Babcock. “But they’re not the only team playing well in our conference. Roswell, ranked third statewide and in Class 5A, is 13-1, and Clovis, at 9-4, has chalked up some key wins.

“But our kids have made constant improvements throughout the year, so we’re looking forward to the challenges we’ll face in conference play,” said the Cavemen coach. “Our defense has been solidifying, and although we’ve struggled to score this season, we’re beginning to create more chances.”

During a rebuilding year for Babcock, the Cavemen have relied heavily on freshman play during 2026.

“Our freshmen have really stepped up for us. Jesus Medina, an attacking mid and forward, has really grown into his own over the past few games,” he said. “Geo Mendoza, striker, John Tupper, outside back, Jefferson Vasquez, outside mid, and Asher Carreon, rotating goalie, have begun to play significant minutes for us.

“Weve also pulled up eighth grader Jaxon Stensrud to our varsity squad,” added Babcock. “For the past two games, he’s started as an outside back for us.”

Game times for the Cavemen’s district opener vs. Hobbs are set for: JVs at 4:30 p.m. and varsity at 6:30 p.m.

Cavegirls in Hobbs

The Cavegirls soccer team will open their District 4/5A season in Hobbs on Tuesday, September 29. The JVs will take the field first at 4 p.m., followed by the varsity at 6 p.m.

The Hobbs Eagles, currently ranked 11th in Class 5A soccer, are 5-6-1 on the season.

As for the Cavegirls, the pre-district season has been anything but kind to them. Battling a tough schedule and an uncanny number of injuries, the Cavegirls are 2-10-1 on the year.

“The pre-district season has been difficult for us. From possible season-ending injuries to concussions and week-to-week setbacks, we’ve had an unusual amount of injuries, especially so at key positions,” said Cavegirl head coach Misty Long. “It’s made it really tough to prepare our kids for conference play. With only one varsity substitute available, we’re pretty much relying on members of our JV squad for varsity reserves.

“But our kids are battlers, and they’re doing all they can step up their play,” she said. “Especially stepping up for us have been Emma Allen, a center back who helps to keep our backline in shape, and Ashlynn Martinez, who’s become a great utility player. She’s done a great job of moving around to cover a lot of the gaps we’ve incurred due to injuries.”

Despite all the injuries incurred by the Cavegirls in 2026, coach Long said her kids are up for the challenge that lies ahead of them in Hobbs.

“Playing the Eagles on the road will be a tough district opener for us. It always is,” said Long. “But our girls will be up and ready to play.”

In rounding out CHS’s conference opponents: Roswell is 8-4-1 on the year and ranked 13th; Clovis is 8-4 and ranked 15th.

Volleyball Hits a Skid

After jumping out to a 6-3 start, the Cavegirl volleyball team is in the midst of a four-game skid.

Since a 3-1 victory over Los Alamos on September 12, Carlsbad’s girls have dropped games to Mayfield 3-0 (September 12), Las Cruces 3-0 (September 17), Organ Mt. 3-2 (September 19), and Artesia 3-0 (September 22).

Next up for the Class 5A, 13th-ranked Cavegirls will be the Alamogordo Tigers in Alamogordo on Tuesday, September 29. The Cavegirl JVs will take the floor first at 5 p.m. followed by the varsity at 6 p.m.

Note: The Cavegirls, 6-6 as of September 22, traveled to Chaparral on Thursday, September 24, to take on the 4-7 Lady Lobos. Results of the match will be posted in the October 2 edition of the Carlsbad Local.

MaxPreps Scoreboard

Cavemen Soccer

Record: 2-11-1

CHS vs. Artesia 9-15-26

AHS 1 2 3

CHS 1 0 1

CHS: Goal, Jesus Medina

CHS @ LC 9-18-26

CHS 0 1 1

LCH 1 1 2

CHS Goal, Giovanni Mendoza

CHS @ Organ Mt. 9-19-26