Battle nets victor

by David Tesitor
LA VETA- The La Veta Redskins hosted the John Mall Panthers to open the 2011 volleyball season. The Redskins won the annual rivalry in three games, 25-19, 25-23 and 25-10.
Both teams played competitively in the first game, trying to get into sync as they traded volleys. Redskin Sami McCay served up an ace in the game while teammate Rena Trujillo had two. Ashton Rinker had two kills. On the other side of the net, the Panthers’ defense kept them in the game, returning everything La Veta threw at them.
The second game was the most exciting of the evening as the lead changed hands four times. Alexandra Tenorio was strong on the net, blocking shots and creating problems for the Redskin hitters. Tenorio was also aggressive as a hitter but had problems getting on top of the ball to drive it inside the court. She connected with two kills.
Midway in the match, La Veta looked like they would break the game wide open when Karley Corsentino, serving off a 10-all tie, broke open with five straight points. John Mall then took the ball back but was unable to capitalize on a Redskin mistake, giving the advantage back to La Veta. McCay served up three more points, including her third ace of the night.
Both teams were aggressive with their returns but were unable to gain any advantage and traded points. With La Veta ready to end the game, Tenorio served six straight points off her hard jump-serves to tie the game at 23. Her next serve went out of bounds to give the ball back to La Veta. They needed only one serve to take the match.
In the final game, the Skins opened a 5-1 lead. Then Natalie Neece served up four straight points, deadlocking the game. The Panthers comeback attempt began here, but the Redskins opened it up to complete the match.
For rookie Redskin coach Brandi Menegatti, this victory was a sweet one. “I’m glad we finally got this one out of the way.” She also complimented the crowd in attendance. There seemed to be an equal following of Panther and Redskin supporters who came out to cheer on their team. “The crowd was rocking. You could feel the electricity in the air.”
The Panthers’ Junior Varsity beat the Skins in two: 25-20 and 25-17.