The Lady Chieftains did not earn any stocks or bonds toward college, nor did they pocket any cash for a trip to the Animas Valley Mall.
But their 3-2 win over Piedra Vista in the District 1-4A championship Saturday felt like payment enough.
"My girls, they sacrificed a lot to collect and receive what they did tonight. We got paid tonight," coach Tim Liufau said. "Tonight was payday for us, and we deserve it. We deserve it here in Shiprock for the first time in school history."
The seesaw swung to Shiprock's side in the deciding Game 5 at the Chieftain Pit, triggering a stomp-and-chant by the girls in front of a packed set of bleachers.
Tied 13-13, Sean Charley blocked a booming hit by PV middle hitter Brittany Jackson, Morgan Lindsey's kill sailed past the end line and the Chieftains gathered near the center of their court before the ball ricocheted off the staircase wall.
Shiprock won 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 25-27, 15-13. It was their first time hosting a district championship volleyball match.
"I'm speechless. My nose is running. I don't know what else is running," Liufau said. "I give my hats out to my girls. There's so much to say. I'm speechless."
Charley led the Chieftains with 14 kills. April Smith added 26 assists and seven aces.
The Lady Panthers' trio of hitters, Emily Bushard, Alix Russell and Jackson, combined for 29 kills and 14 blocks.
The service game
Becker sounded like an author peddling his work on a book tour when asked about the five-game match, the Panthers' ninth of the year and fourth of their last five matches.
He commended his players for maintaining their effort through the end.
"How much better do you want district volleyball? Our volleyball around here has been incredible," Becker said. "Every match has been like that. It's neat to see that in our area."
Kirtland Central swept Farmington on Tuesday in the district opener. The final three matches went to Game 5.
Several points drew the ire of the Shiprock crowd, Liufau or Becker.
PV was docked a point in Game 5 for a substitution infraction, causing a four-minute delay. A pivotal point in Game 4 appeared to land on PV's side of the court after a contested tangle of arms above the net, but the officials awarded the Panthers the point and a 22-21 lead.
Shiprock neutralized an 11-4 PV lead in Game 4 before falling.
"The momentum shifted everywhere. Different kinds of styles. We composed ourselves. The girls know, do not get caught up in the hype. This is their first time in this kind of situation ever," Liufau said, spurting thanks to his seniors as well as the crowd.
"It was a beautiful atmosphere in Shiprock. The volleyball gods are here. Finally!"
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