MV's Nash gives nod to Tuba City

Coming off their 2009 3A state volleyball championship last season, Monument Valley continues to roll this season.

After winning their first matches last week against Red Mesa and Greyhills, Monument Valley is again the a team to reckon with.

At 7-0, following their first place finish at the Fountain Hills Invitational on Saturday, the Lady Mustangs hope for another state title. Head coach Lucinda Nash will be seeking her seventh state title as she returns for her 36th season.

"It will take more work than last year to win a state title," she said. "I think it will be harder for us to win state this year than it was last year. Teams will be out to beat us since we were state champions."

Monument Valley will do without last year's Navajo Times player of the year, Chantal Kescoli. The Lady Mustangs will be relying on top returning players Bradley Nash and McKara Kescoli, both juniors and offensive hitters.

"Chantal Kescoli was probably the biggest loss, but as I coached, I knew her graduation was coming," Lucinda Nash said. "I had time to prepare for it.

"I have two starters from last year's state championship team," she said. "They are Bradley Nash and McKara Kescoli. Jontae Yazzie saw a lot of action as a libero last year. Shanell Gilmore will take over the difficult job of being the primary setter."

She said she sees Tuba City as the main challenger.

"I see Tuba City as being the primary competition in the North," Lucinda Nash said. " Statewide, Safford, the team we played in the championship match, only lost one player to graduation. Sedona is rumored to have one of its best teams ever.

"I approach every season aiming for the state championship," Lucinda Nash said. "I think it is important to go for it. You don't know what you can achieve until you give it all you've got."

We won the tournament.

Tuba City Lady Warriors

Tuba City was the only team to beat Monument Valley last year. This year they are considered a state championship contender. Safford knocked the Lady Warriors out of the state tournament in the semifinals last year.

"I am expecting a tough season," Tuba City head coach Evelyn Kiyaani said. "As for placing third in the state playoffs last year, I think we woke up a lot of people. Like everyone else, we are working hard to do better."

For a successful season, Tuba City will rely heavily on their returning players.

"We have 10 players returning from last year's squad," Kiyaani said. "If they play together, execute their skills correctly, play hard, then everything will come together for them. Any one of the players can be a standout in any area of defense, offense, etc."

Returning are seniors Dakota Yazzie, Dimitra Sam, Tyesha Ignacio, Loveleen Hurley, Sherry Hudson, Elizabeth Holve, Trisha Curley, Stacey Claw and Paulette Begay along with sophomore Jamie Roe.

"It would take a lot of determination and commitment from the girls as well as staying healthy and in game mode at all times," Kiyaani said. "The pre-conference games will prepare us by seeing how and which players can mesh as a team on the court, our weaknesses and strengths and then work on those areas as the days and weeks come."

Kiyaani said Monument Valley and Holbrook and anyone in the conference is always a tough match.

"It all depends on who's ready to play and apply the strategies," she said.

Window Rock Lady Scouts

Coming off the Rehoboth Invitational this past weekend as runner-up, Window Rock sees what type of team they will be this season.

Window Rock was one of the six schools from the North conference to make the state playoffs last season. They were ousted by Monument Valley in the semifinals last year. They finished 13-16 and 4-3 in conference.

This year, head coach Amelia Holtsoi will rely on the returning players for leadership.

"I'm looking at Chris Platero, a senior, Ashley Mitchell and Coralie Clark, both juniors," Holtsoi said. "These three are going to be my key players, not so much as carrying the team but to be leaders. To get these girls going. To get them to play where they need to be."

"I have 14 players this year," she said. "I have more inexperienced players. We have five returning players and the remaining players have not been at the varsity level. They are all new players this year.

"Right now they need to work on communication. We need to refine our skills in terms of passing," Holtsoi said.

After a recent scrimmage against Snowflake, Holtsoi said the team's performance wasn't all that bad, but improvements are still needed.

"During scrimmage our serving looked good, but our passing is going to be the key for us improving in a major way," she said. "We're not bad, but I just like for us to be at a better and higher level."

Like other coaches in the conference, she said Monument Valley and Tuba City will be the teams to beat, but she believes her team will be in the mix.

"I think if we work hard, we do our job, do what we're supposed to do, we would give them a run for their money," Holtsoi said. "We could be a threat to any team. Hopefully we'll come together by postseason."

Holbrook Lady Roadrunners

Already making an impact this year, Holbrook is 2-0 after beating Payson and Show Low in three games last week.

With eight returning players from last year's state playoff team, coach Leslie Baldonado expects to be a state contender.

"I am expecting a very successful season this year with my eight returning seniors," Baldonado said. "We look forward to playing the 3A North teams again this season.

"There are lots of tough 3A volleyball teams throughout the state, but we see ourselves in contention at the state tournament this year," she said.

Holbrook's key returning players are middle hitters April Lester and Rietta Wagoner, outside hitter Sheria Billie and setter Amanda Chee.

"These girls have been playing together on varsity for at least two years and some of them for three years," Baldonado said. "They need to just keep a positive attitude, believe they can be successful and go all the way."

Last year, Holbrook lost in the first round of the state playoffs to Window Rock.

Winslow Lady Bulldogs

Last year Winslow made the state playoffs but was eliminated in the first round by Tuba City. This year Winslow is off to great start winning their first three matches.

Winslow coach Julie Thomas expects plenty from her returning players.

"I expect a winning season and a spot in the state playoffs," Thomas said. "It takes a lot of hard work at practice, dedication, and team spirit to have a successful season. We are on that road."

Key returning players are seniors Paige Shirley, Jennifer Yazzie and Carey Gorman, junior setter Brianna Begaye and Robina Villanueva and sophomore middle blocker Melissa Jacobs.

Last week, Winslow outlasted Round Valley in three games.

Chinle Lady Wildcats

Chinle will start their new season under interim volleyball coach Steve Troglia. Troglia replaces Susan Berger, who withdrew as coach at the beginning of the season.

So for, Troglia's team is 1-1 on the season.

"That's all it matters now, getting to know the team," Troglia said. "We need to work on a lot of fundamental skills. Something that will help them improve as the season goes along."

Troglia says the seniors will take the leadership roles, including Nakera Yazzie, Bentanya Satt and twin sisters Char and Shonell Tachine.

Chinle will be playing in the Round Valley Invitational this weekend.

Ganado Lady Hornets

In her third year as coach, Bah Katenay likes her chances this year with a talented and young team. With no star player, Katenay says the team needs to come together to have a successful season.

"I think were pretty, pretty strong, young, but a young strong team," Katenay said. "I don't have a particular player this year. I have a whole squad that will stand out. All the players are going to be key to have successful season."

Ganado is 1-0 on the season. They will play their first conference game tonight at against Tuba City.

Back to top ^