NMMI Sports Press
The Lady Colt Varsity Volleyball squad took care of business at home Tuesday evening, downing the visiting Hondo Valley Lady Eagles 3-1 at the Godfrey Athletic Center on the NMMI campus.
NMMI came out firing on all cylinders with aggressive serves and strong play at the net to take the first set easily, 25-13, but then, as has happened several times during the season, the Lady Colts backed off a bit and allowed Hondo back in the match.
“We put our foot on the gas, but then we brake,” said NMMI head coach Chantale Riddle. “Once we feel comfortable, we lay off. I’m not sure they even realize they are doing it. They think that once they’ve worked hard to win a set, they can relax, and you can’t relax against any team.”
After dropping the second stanza 25-19, the Lady Colts corrected course and took the final two sets 25-17 and 25-20.
The Lady Colts continued to do the things that have helped them get to 7-5 on the year with a current three-game winning streak. Senior outside hitter Olive Amechi and freshman setter Mia Martinez served aggressively, senior middle Emily Spaniel patrolled the net and blocked balls and junior libero Ashlynn Irish kept people in position and dug balls that her teammates could handle easily.
“I think some of the corrections we’ve been working on are starting to take,” Riddle said. “Emily has been working on hitting the corners better and she did it a few times today. Ashlynn is a constant point of stability for us. When we have her out there it helps me breathe a bit easier.”
Riddle has also seen great improvement and a winning attitude from junior Paulina Sanchez, who has played more than usual recently due to injuries.
“She had blocks today, her hits are going over. Every day she impresses me,” said Riddle. “And she wants to be out there. She’s happy to be playing, and she’s happy when her teammate comes in for her. That’s the attitude we need.”
Riddle said her team’s biggest obstacle right now is their own confidence level.
“Every day I’m trying to get them to believe in themselves,” she said. “They are working hard and should have more confidence. We looked like we had confidence during the first set, but then we relax and that confidence dries up. We’re inconsistent.”
“I think that’s my homework tonight; to figure out how to give them confidence. What activity, team bonding exercise, whatever I can do to help them realize they are good volleyball players and good people. We have work to do, but I think by district we’ll be ready.”
The Lady Colts get another home game Thursday as local rival Gateway Christian comes to the Godfrey. The undefeated Lady Warriors beat NMMI 3-0 on Sept. 15.