Basketball Recap: Rio Rancho Comes Up Short in High-Profile Matchup with Volcano Vista

On Friday, Rio Rancho faced Volcano Vista in a battle between two of the state's top teams. The Rio Rancho Rams fell just short of the Volcano Vista Hawks by a score of 58-55. The Rams lost against the Hawks in their previous head to head back in March of 2024, too, but the margin this time around was much closer than the 71-44 score last time.

Several Rams players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Madilynn Martinez, who posted 20 points and five boards. Martinez's evening made it five games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. Lilly Martinez was another key player, putting up 14 points along with seven rebounds and three steals.

Volcano Vista's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Mila Espinoza, who had 24 points and three steals. Espinoza is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last eight games she's played. Another player making a difference was Mia Zuniga, who went 5 of 11 en route to 14 points in addition to eight boards and five steals.

Rio Rancho has traveled a rocky road recently having lost five of their last six games, which put a noticeable dent in their 11-7 record this season. As for Volcano Vista, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 9-7.

Rio Rancho didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 64-16 victory against Cibola on the 29th. Volcano Vista has also already played their next matchup, a 40-35 defeat against Farmington on the 29th.