VolleyBash 2024 coming this weekend

RIO RANCHO — It’s once again time for Volleybash! On Sept. 27-28, Rio Rancho High School and Cleveland High School are hosting their invitational tournament, which occurs annually right before district play begins.

This year’s tournament will take place mostly at RRHS due to HVAC issues at the Cleveland aux gymnasium. However, one of every four matches will still be played at CHS, including the championship on Saturday, Sept. 28.

According to an informational email from RRHS head volleyball coach Toby Manzanres, “(morning and afternoon) pools sessions begin with all sets beginning at 4-4, and played to 25 pts. (27 pt. cap) Start time is 9:00 AM. Ball/carts will be provided at both sites.”

Pool play will take place on Friday. After pool play, teams will be seeded into four brackets (championship match at CHS. Gold, silver, bronze matches at RRHS.) Match times for Bracket Play are 9 a.m. (bronze), 11 a.m. (silver), 1 p.m. (gold) and 3 p.m. (championship).

Unlike past years, parents attending this year’s VolleyBash will need to pay an admission fee, “as referee fees/security/custodial fees have continued to increase in our schools,” says Manzanares’ email.

Concessions will be available at both sites on both days.

The road to the championship...

The Rams (7-2) are coming off a big win against Abq. Academy (7-3) on Sept. 24 that saw senior Alex Shane set her 1,000th career assist. RRHS also rolled through the Silver Bracket at the metros and are starting to come on strong.

They have a tough road in pool play, however. Hobbs (3-5) and Miyamura (2-7) are not to be underestimated, but the real problem is Abq. High (6-4).

The Bulldogs may have four losses, but two of those were to the vaunted Cleveland Storm (8-2). In both matches, the Storm struggled out of the gate to get the Bulldogs on a leash. The Rams will look to come out fast behind the power serve of senior Alyssa Dominguez.

The Storm have possibly the most difficult road to the finals. Piedra Vista (7-1) has a single loss, and it was to Monument Valley out of Kayenta, AZ.

Roswell (10-1) is an even more daunting opponent. The Coyotes haven’t lost since their season opener on Aug. 24.

In an odd twist, Centennial (5-3) may be the most manageable challenge. The Storm beat them in straight sets on Sept. 7.

Head coach Charity Gomez and her top-ranked squad have been rolling lately with Ceci Vance excelling in the front and back lines, so Pool B should be interesting.

Pools:

Pool A: RRHS, Abq. High, Hobbs, Miyamura

Pool B: Cleveland, Centennial, Roswell, Piedra Vista

Pool C: Las Cruces, St. Pius, Eldorado, Rio Rancho JV

Pool D: La Cueva, Los Lunas, Cibola, Farmington

Schedule:

Rio Rancho High School

RRHS vs Hobbs, 9 a.m.

RRHS vs Miyamura, 10:30 a.m.

RRHS vs Abq. High, 12:45 p.m.

Cleveland High School

CHS vs Roswell, 9 a.m.

CHS vs Piedra Vista, 10:30 a.m.

CHS vs Centennial, 12:45 p.m.