District volleyball starts soon

Several area high school volleyball teams will wrap up the regular season against district opponents, with outcomes certain to effect their seeding in the upcoming district tournaments.

A win over the Lady Yellowjackets Thursday at Clayton should put the Lady Rattlers in position to enter the District 5-3A tournament, said Dana Benavidez, Tucumcari head coach.

Benavidez said the Lady Rattlers (4-17, 0-4) played well in their 3-0 loss Saturday at Santa Rosa. She said the service pass game of the Lady Rattlers greatly improved.

"The girls were able to set up the offense with a good first pass," Benavidez said. "The girls were a lot more aggressive when it came to setting up the plays."

Benavidez said the Lady Rattlers also showed improvement during the Oct. 19 3-1 loss to the Lady Yellowjackets at the Snake Pit. She said if the girls play to their ability, communicate on the floor they can win Thursday at Clayton (3-15, 1-4)

A win at Mountainair Thursday will put the Logan Lady Longhorns in a tie with Fort Sumner for first place in the District 6-2A standings.

"The girls are focusing on taking care of business against the Lady Mustangs," said Robert Young, Logan head coach.

Young said the potential for a playoff game is not the Lady Longhorns primary concern. He said securing a win Thursday in Mountainair and improving their passing game is first and foremost on their minds.

"The girls have shown great improvement on their defensive coverage and offensive passing," Young said.

Young said the team has been communicating well while on the court. He said this has helped in setting up the offense and covering the floor on defense to limit the opponents open looks.

"With a win by Logan and Fort Sumner on Thursday, the playoff game will take place Saturday at Tucumcari," Young said. "The girls know they have to take it one game at a time and focus on the challenge at hand."

The Lady Coyotes will host the Melrose Lady Buffaloes Thursday at San Jon in their final regular season game.

The Lady Coyotes, (5-14, 1-8) are currently fifth in District 4-1A standings.

A win against the Lady Buffaloes (14-5 8-1), who are vying to keep a tiebreaker game with Elida possible, would keep the Lady Coyotes ahead of Clovis Christian (2-11, 1-8).

Upcoming games

Thursday

4:30 p.m., Melrose at San Jon

4:30 p.m., Logan at Mountainair

6 p.m., Tucumcari at Clayton

Saturday (If needed)

6 p.m., Logan vs Fort Sumner at Tucumcari