Mike Powers | News-Bulletin photo
The Los Lunas Tigers have won 11 straight heading into the state championships.
The Los Lunas Tigers earned a No. 9 seed in this week’s 5A State Volleyball Championship and will play at 11:45 a.m. Thursday against eighth-seeded Eldorado.
“We are underdogs a lot,” said head coach Tanya Sanchez. “I think we might surprise people because the girls have a big heart, and the love for the game is really going to come out.”
The 15-5 Tigers are one of the hottest teams in the double-elimination tournament, going through district undefeated and riding an 11 game winning streak.
Mia Mendoza, a sophomore setter, believes the Tigers are playing their best volleyball.
“We are finally playing together, working really well together. We finally clicked at the end of the season,” Mendoza said.
Sanchez doesn’t believe the pressure will impact the Tiger.
“The girls have their head on their shoulders-Passers are passing, hitters are hitting and the setters are giving them good sets,” she said
All of the 5A games will be played at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Valencia and Belen did not qualify for the 4A state tournament. Valencia ends the season with a 12-11 record, while Belen finished 9-13.
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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April 11, 2024
