The Virgin Valley High School Bulldog Girls volleyball team came out strong Tuesday night against archrival Moapa Valley High School winning the first match 25-15. The key to the match was in the serving area as the ‘Dawgs had only one service error for the match. Service errors have been the problem for the ‘Dawgs as it causes a momentum swing in matches. The Bulldogs never trailed in the first match as they were able to keep the Pirates at bay. The Pirates managed to close the gap to 12-11 before setter Nikki Arquette had three straight aces to move the ‘Dawgs back up 16-11. Alexis Thompson finished the Pirates off with three service points to end the match at 25-15.
The loss must have shook up the Pirates as they came out on the floor for the second match and jumped out to an 11-2 lead before Bulldog coach Ilona Robeson called timeout. The respite did not work as the Pirates continued the onslaught and won going away with a score of 25-10. The Pirate win tied up the match 1-1 ensuring a minimum of four games for the evening.
Although close, the third match was marred by service errors on both sides of the net. The teams had 13 service errors between them causing many side outs. The match was tied at 21-21 before the Pirates pulled away to win 25-22. Arquette continued her fine play for the ‘Dawgs.
The fourth match was the most competitive of the evening, until a refs call, went against the ‘Dawgs with the score tied at 15-15. Boos echoed throughout the gym from the Bulldog faithful. The volleys were long and the score was tight throughout the match until that point as the teams volleys were long and hard fought. Kourtney Metzger used her height to dominate play at the net for the ‘Dawgs. The call seemed to rattle the ‘Dawgs as the Pirates jumped out to a quick 22-15 lead. The match ended with the Pirates up 25-17. Arquette led the ‘Dawgs with five aces and four kills. Metzger had 10 kills for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs next home game will be against Desert Pines on October 15.