A Thrilling End to the Volleyball Season

The final match of the Sierra Grande High School volleyball team's season was a nail-biter. They faced off against Sangre de Cristo in a game that went the full four sets. The Panthers, as they're known, started strong, winning the first two sets. But Sangre de Cristo fought back, taking the third set in a close 29-27 finish. The Panthers sealed their victory in the fourth set, ending on a high note. The game was intense from the start. Sangre de Cristo took an early lead in the first set, but Sierra Grande fought back, tying the score at 6-6. The Thunderbirds, as Sangre de Cristo is nicknamed, then went on a run, leading 14-9. But the Panthers weren't done yet. They scored eight straight points to take the lead back. The sets continued with back-and-forth action, showcasing the skill and determination of both teams. Sierra Grande's coach, Kylie Espinoza, said it was the best way to end the season. Meanwhile, Sangre de Cristo's coach, Chad Skinner, admitted his team didn't play up to their potential. The Panthers' Eneria Quintana had an impressive performance, contributing significantly to the win. The Panthers ended their season with eight wins and 15 losses, tying for third place in the Southern Peaks League. They lose only three seniors to graduation, meaning they have a strong team returning next year. Sangre de Cristo finished their season with a similar record, also tying for third place. This match was a great example of the competitive spirit in high school sports. Both teams showed resilience and skill, making it a memorable end to their seasons.