Game 1
Hobbs, NM – In a match that swung back and forth, Southwest fell to Xavier (LA) in a tough four-set battle on September 27, 2024. Despite taking the first set 25-18, Southwest could not hold back Xavier's surge, ultimately losing the next three sets (14-25, 23-25, 22-25).
Southwest came out strong in the first set, with clean attacks and sharp play. The combination of Danna Gamez (7 kills) and Aniya Odom (7 kills) provided the offensive firepower that put Xavier on the back foot early. Gamez also contributed at the service line, adding an ace to her tally.
However, Xavier responded fiercely, especially in the second set, where they outplayed Southwest with a commanding 25-14 win. Southwest struggled to keep up the momentum from the opening set, with attack errors creeping in, particularly in key moments. Maya Morales and Mariah Samario tried to keep their team in the fight with strong digs and solid defense, but Xavier's aggressive play overwhelmed the Southwest squad.
In the third and fourth sets, Southwest showed resilience, coming close to turning the tide. The team fought hard, keeping the third set tight at 25-23 and pushing Xavier to the limit in the fourth set, but they couldn't capitalize on their chances to close out those sets. Xavier's Kamea Uitenham was unstoppable, leading all players with 16 kills, while Taylor Parker added 13 kills to Xavier's tally.
Southwest's errors played a crucial role in the outcome, with 23 total attack errors and a hitting percentage of only .093. Despite efforts from players like Amaiya Williams (6 kills, 7.5 points), the team struggled to maintain consistent offensive pressure.
As Southwest looks ahead, they will need to regroup and work on cutting down unforced errors and improving their consistency. While this loss stings, the fight they showed in sets three and four is a foundation they can build upon as the season progresses.
Final Score: Xavier (LA) 3, Southwest 1 (18-25, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22)
Game 2
Southwest's volleyball team faced a tough challenge on September 28, 2024, when they hosted Xavier (LA). Despite a valiant effort, Southwest was swept in straight sets (20-25, 19-25, 18-25) as Xavier (LA) maintained control throughout the match.
Southwest struggled with consistency, particularly in their attacking efficiency, hitting just .100 as a team. Leading the offense, Danna Gamez tallied 9 kills, though she also accounted for 6 errors, limiting her effectiveness. Mariah Samario contributed 7 kills with an impressive .318 hitting percentage, and Aniya Odom added 6 kills with a strong .462 efficiency, but their efforts were not enough to break Xavier's defense.
Xavier's offense was led by Kamea Uitenham, who delivered 13 kills, and Olivia Arroyo, who chipped in 8 kills. Xavier's balanced attack was complemented by a strong defensive performance, with Ruxandra Flueras picking up 26 digs to stifle Southwest's attempts to find rhythm.
Southwest fought hard to stay competitive in each set but struggled with key errors in crucial moments. Their best opportunity came in the first set, where they kept it close until late errors allowed Xavier to pull away for a 25-20 victory. In the second set, despite hitting at a better clip (.174), Southwest couldn't keep up with Xavier's efficient attack, falling 19-25. The third set followed a similar pattern, as Southwest's offense sputtered with a .077 hitting percentage, leading to an 18-25 loss that sealed the match.
Southwest's defense was anchored by Maya Morales, who registered 18 digs, while Starlett Hoyuela contributed 13 assists and 6 digs, but the team's overall lack of offensive firepower and unforced errors proved too costly.
With this defeat, Southwest will need to regroup and focus on limiting mistakes while capitalizing on offensive opportunities as they prepare for their next matchup. The team's fighting spirit remains intact, and there are positive takeaways to build upon despite the loss.
Final Score: Xavier (LA) 3, Southwest 0 (25-20, 25-19, 25-18)
