KC volleyball sweeps Capital in 5A state opener

FARMINGTON — The Kirtland Central volleyball team generated key points in spurts throughout its straight-set win (25-21, 25-19, 25-20) over 10th-seeded Capital in today's 5A state tournament opener in Rio Rancho.

The Lady Broncos had a 6-0 run early in the first set, a 7-2 run early in the second set and a 5-0 run to start the third set. Down 18-15 in the third set, KC closed out the match on a 10-2 run.

"We had some really good passing. Our serves were on point. That's what we have to do, as far as the state tournament goes," coach Nadia Begay-Watson said. "When you come to state, it's a much faster tempo. We have to match that tempo."

Middle hitters Gabrianna White-David and Franke Burns each had two blocks and combined for 16 kills. Setter Jerica Holiday had 25 assists. 

The eighth-seeded Lady Broncos (14-8) will face second-seeded Artesia in the 5A quarterfinals at 9:45 a.m. Friday.

Roswell upsets Farmington in 5A opener

The fourth-seeded Lady Scorpions lost in straight sets (25-20, 25-13, 25-9) to the seventh-seeded Coyotes in the first round today in Rio Rancho.

Farmington's season ended at 19-4.

The Lady Scorpions will say goodbye to five seniors, including setter Monica Briones and right-side hitter Donna Hall. But much of its key group will remain intact for 2018.

Bloomfield falls in 5A first round

The 11th-seeded Lady Bobcats lost to fifth-seeded Santa Teresa in straight sets (25-16, 25-21, 25-14) in today's 5A state opener.

Bloomfield's season ended at 13-10. Five seniors played their last match in Bobcat uniforms.

PV, Shiprock fall in state openers

The Panthers lost a five-set thriller to District 1-6A foe Rio Rancho in the 6A state opener, while the Chieftains were swept by Hope Christian in the 4A bracket.

PV (9-13) will say goodbye to its lone senior, Haley Golden. Shiprock (12-8) will say goodbye to six seniors.