On Thursday evening, New Mexico Military hosted Dexter for the final regular-season match of 2024, coming out on top 3-2. With the win, the Lady Colts conclude the regular season with an 11-11 overall record with a 1-4 mark in district play.

Set 1

To open the match, both teams exchanged points as both sides were trying to find a rhythm. As the teams battled, they stayed within a point as neither team was able to gain an edge. After NMMI took an 18-16 with the help of some service errors, Dexter was forced to call a timeout.

Following the break in action, Dexter was able to go on a small run and take a 20-18 lead. Trailing by two the Lady Colts established some momentum, with the help of great defense, they were able to close out the first set on a 9-3 run to secure the first set 25-21. 

Set 2

Much like the first set, neither team was able to gain a real advantage early on as both teams tallied points to keep the score close.  At the midway point of the set, Dexter was able to create separation as they took a 20-12 lead. Wanting to extend the match, the Lady Colts battled back as they ended the set on a 9-5 run but the comeback fell short as Dexter took the second set 25-21.

Set 3

In the middle set, the tables tuned as NMMI took advantage early as used throughout the set. As Dexter attempted to get in the set, the Lady Colts would deny any opportunity as they jumped out to a 15-9 lead.

With a 6-point advantage, the home team would end the set on a 10-7 run as they secured the third set 25-17 to take a 2-1 lead.

Set 4

In the fourth set, Dexter took advantage early on as they used some errors by NMMI to take a 16-12 midway through the set. However, the Lady Colts made a late push as the next points went back and forth until the set was knotted at points 16,17,18,19.

The away team would close out the set on a 6-2 run as they took the fourth set 25-21.

Set 5

In the final set Dexter took the initial 3-1 lead, however this sparked the final comeback of the match for the Lady Colts. The next few points all went to the home teams as NMMI took a 7-5 lead. After Dexter fought back and tied the match at seven, NMMI once again separated themselves and they took a 12-8 lead- forcing a Dexter timeout.

The Lady Colts would end the match on a 3-3 run as they secured the final set and match 15-11.

Head Coach Chantale Riddle was pleased with how hard the team worked throughout the year, “We got a lot better as a program. I do think we struggle in the middle of the season but that helped us finish out the year even stronger … we’ve definitely gotten better and worked harder enough for us to come out on top in the end,” Riddle said.