Ramah captures Rehoboth Invite

Mustangs end two-game losing streak to Ganado

REHOBOTH, N.M.

After winning the Rehoboth volleyball tournament in 2014, the Ramah Lady Mustangs had to settle for third place the last two years.

The Lady Mustangs came up short to Ganado each time in the semifinals, losing in straight sets.

Last Saturday, Ramah found the resolve to snap a two-game losing streak to the Lady Hornets by pulling away with 25-8, 20-25, 20-25, 25-21, 15-9 win in the semifinals of the tournament.

The Mustangs then beat tournament host Rehoboth 25-23, 25-16, 25-9 in the championship game.

“The girls played really well and they wanted to win the tournament,” Ramah coach Alejandro Rivera said.

The first-year coach said the match with Ganado was played evenly and he felt that the little things were the difference.

“That was a really big game for us because Ganado is a great team,” Rivera said. “They have good, smart hitters on their team. It was nice that we won that game.”

After that win, Rivera said his girls gained the confidence they needed to upend Rehoboth in the finals.

“They believed in themselves and it worked out for us,” he said. “Rehoboth is a great team but I’m not sure what happened after we won the first set. They didn’t play us as tough.”

Rivera felt that his team was tested by playing some quality opponents during the three-day tournament that featured eight teams, including four from Arizona.

“Ganado and Rehoboth both have good teams and we respect them,” he said. “By playing those teams it’s helping us grow.”

With the win the Mustangs remain unbeaten as they pushed their overall record to 9-0.

“We’re working hard and our team is looking good,” the first-year coach said. “They are getting more confident with their skills.”

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