Storm open district with win over ranked Cougar

CLEVELAND 3, CIBOLA 0

RIO RANCHO (Oct. 8, 2024) -- The Storm unleashed a hot pink fury on the rival Cougars on Tuesday night, defeating Cibola 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-23) in the opening match of district play.

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many programs around the country, from youth leagues to the pros, take the opportunity to sport pink during October contests. For some, like the football teams, the pink coloring is a highlight to the usual colors. For others, like the Storm volleyball team on Tuesday night, pink is a power statement. The team rocked hot pink jerseys that matched their upbeat tempo and energetic play.

Going into the match, Cleveland (12-2, 1-0 in 5A-1) was sitting on a #2 ranking. With Las Cruces still undefeated, it’s unlikely that ranking will change. However, Cibola was ranked at #10 with a solid resume and not to be underestimated.

“We really prepared for them,” said head coach Charity Gomez after the match. “They [Cibola] are a tough team, but I feel like we really executed (our plan) well.”

Cleveland came out hot in the first set, their power often outweighing their accuracy. Despite the score, however, Cibola was never really in the first set.

The second set ended with the same score but was a completely different story. The Cougars went on a huge run late in the set to give them a 3-point lead with the score at 17-14.

At that point, Ceci Vance stepped up with the power and Emma Wild made some amazing saves. Aaliyah Simpson continues to be electric off the bench, taking immediate control at the net, and the Storm rallied from behind for the win.

The third set was more like the second. The Cibola Cougars, behind the power of outside hitters Abbigail Saavedra and Mackenzie Ronzone, and under the very-competent leadership of team captain and Libero Sofia Jurado, refused to go away.

The Storm attack proved too much, even for the Cougars’ elite defense and Cleveland took the match in straight sets.

Simpson stood out, taking over for quick powerful spurts and ending the night with 5 kills on 9 attempts.

Vance finished the night with 4 aces on 17 serves. She had a 2.47 passer rating, 13 kills and 7 total digs.

Wild had 6 kills and 8 digs.

Kelsey Hefner found her accuracy and unleashed her overwhelming power for 10 kills and 3 aces.

Next, the Storm take on Farmington (6-6) on Oct. 10 at CHS. The ball tips at 6 p.m.