Volleyball Recap: Payton Balsiger and Lauren Strada Secure Win for Tanque Verde + How To Watch

Tanque Verde had won two straight home games and Cayla Vimmerstedt did her part to make it three on Thursday. The Hawks walked away with a 3-1 win over the Safford Bulldogs for which the team can thank Vimmerstedt, who had 11 digs and two aces. She is on a roll when it comes to digs, as she's now had 11 or more in each of the last three games she's played.

The final score came out to 26-24, 23-25, 25-17, 25-17.

Payton Balsiger

Digs

10/23/25 vs Safford	17
10/20/25 @ Cienega	8
10/16/25 vs Pusch Ridge Christian Academy	12
10/13/25 @ Palo Verde	15
09/30/25 @ Thatcher	17

Tanque Verde was led to victory by Lauren Strada and Payton Balsiger. Strada had four digs and three aces, while Balsiger had 17 digs, 12 kills, and two aces. That's the most digs Balsiger has posted since back in September.

Tanque Verde's record is now 18-11. As for Safford, their defeat dropped their record down to 14-13.

We've got plenty of inter-region action coming up soon. Tanque Verde is set to square off against their familiar foe Empire at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Safford will challenge rival Thatcher at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.