Basketball Game Preview: Volcano Vista Hawks vs. Piedra Vista Panthers

The Volcano Vista Hawks will challenge the Piedra Vista Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Volcano Vista has insisted on making their lastthree contests complete nail-biters, turning in a record of 0-3 during that stretch of close contests.

Volcano Vista is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of New Mexico's top teams: Albuquerque, who was ranked ninth at the time (Volcano Vista was ranked 15th). Volcano Vista was just a bucket shy of victory on Friday and fell 28-27 to Albuquerque. The contest marked the Hawks' lowest-scoring match so far this season.

Mila Espinoza

Steals

01/17/25 @ Albuquerque	4
01/15/25 @ Sandia	2
01/11/25 vs Cleveland	2
01/10/25 vs Albuquerque	2
01/08/25 @ Hobbs	4
01/07/25 vs Eldorado	5

Despite the defeat, Volcano Vista had strong showings from Mila Espinoza, who posted six points and four steals, and Micaela Hererra, who earned three points. Espinoza has been hot, having posted two or more steals the last six times she's played.

Meanwhile, Piedra Vista took a blow against Kirtland Central on Thursday, falling 70-40. The Panthers have struggled against the Broncos recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Volcano Vista dropped their record down to 7-7 with the loss, which was their third straight on the road. As for Piedra Vista, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-8.

Volcano Vista strolled past Piedra Vista in their previous meeting back in December of 2024 by a score of 62-47. Does Volcano Vista have another victory up their sleeve, or will Piedra Vista turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.