Volleyball Recap: Rio Grande Comes Up Short

Rio Grande was the 3-0 winner over West Mesa when they last played one another back in September of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. The Rio Grande Ravens fell just short of the West Mesa Mustangs by a score of 3-2 on Tuesday. While the Ravens didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Mustangs 25-16 in the first set.

Rio Grande started the match hot and won the first two sets, but they struggled down the stretch and lost the last three. The match finished with set scores of 16-25, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-9.

Sophia Lopez paced Rio Grande's offense, picking up 18 kills. Lopez got some help from Crystal Gutierrez and her 29 assists. Gutierrez was also solid from the service line: she led the team with four aces.

West Mesa's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Aresha Silver led the charge by getting six kills, six digs, and a block. Leanne Chavez was another key player, getting 17 digs and a kill.

Rio Grande has traveled a rocky road recently having lost eight of their last ten contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 7-11 record this season. As for West Mesa, their record is now an identical 7-11.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing Albuquerque the next time they take the court. Rio Grande will host Albuquerque at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, while West Mesa will head out to face them at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

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