San Jon defeats Evangel Christian

SAN JON - The Lady Coyotes reset themselves after a first-set loss to win the next three during a 22-25, 25-16, 25-11, 25-21 match victory Saturday against visiting Evangel Christian of Albuquerque.

San Jon, a vastly better squad after last season's winless campaign, improved to 6-4 overall.

Lady Coyotes coach Jaree Elliott said her team struggled during that first-set loss to the Lady Eagles.

"The first game, you could tell we were down on our system, very fragmented," she said. "They were talking and moving good; it just wasn't fluid. We were playing as six individuals instead of as a team."

Elliott didn't chew out her team after the set, however.

"We didn't change the lineup. We just changed our mentality ... thankfully," she said. "I wish I could take credit for that, but it's all the girls' (credit).

"I said, 'You guys are going to have to decide how you're going to play.' And they did."

San Jon kept Evangel on off-balance for much of the match with its strong serving game. Karlee Elliott had five aces and Chantzee Elliott four.

Coach Elliott said she was glad to see her team persevere during a time where many volleyball players struggle with aspects their game.

"We're at a midseason struggle point where teams stalemate out and people have battles with their hitting and serving I think that's a lot of it," she said.

"I told them, 'You play this sport because it's fun. When you have fun, you win. And when you win, you have more fun. You need to get out there and have some fun. Don' play like you're scared; play like you enjoy it.'"

Maxwell 3, San Jon 1

San Jon faltered after a first-set victory during a 26-24, 20-25, 20-25, 21-25 loss Sept. 21 at Maxwell.

"The girls played hard and fought their way out of the holes that dug for themselves in each of the last three sets to make them all close," coach Elliott said. "You could tell we had not had the whole team in practice together for several days due to the State Livestock Expo and doctor's appointments."

Elliott said Karlee Elliott led in kills and Sarah Archuleta in assists for the Lady Coyotes. She said Maxwell had one player who kept her team on its heels with her "amazing" serves.

The host Bears improved to 4-3 overall.

Logan 3, Clayton 1

Logan rallied from a first-set loss to prevail in the next three sets during a 25-27, 25-21, 25-15, 25-16 victory Thursday at Clayton.

"We changed up some things defensively and cut down on our unforced hitting errors," Logan coach Robert Young said about his team's adjustments after the first set.

The Lady Longhorns, ranked second in Class 1A in the latest coaches poll, improved to 9-3 overall.

Clayton fell to 4-3.