By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
It was all Raton in the JV games of the final district match of the regular season Thursday evening in Tiger Gym as Raton hosted the Santa Fe Prep Griffins but the varsity match was another win for the Griffins as they took the match in four.
The Raton JV simply dominated the court taking the early lead in both games and never looking back as the Griffins had problems handling the ball and not communicating as the ball often times fell uncontested to the floor.
Raton pushed Santa Fe Prep in game one and forced them to earn the game as Raton kept it so close it was tied at 24. Both teams were strong at the net when it was a close ball however the play often passed or moved the ball well over any blocking attempts. Some volleys lasted several times back and forth over the net as the girls played patient ball and worked it for the play. With the game tied at 24 Santa Fe Prep managed to finally find a hole and put the ball in it for the 26-24 win.
Game two was one where you asked is this the same team as Raton took an early lead and dominated gaining a 10 point lead only to let the Griffins close some before putting it away. Game three was another is this the same team that played a tight game in game one as the Griffins pulled out took a big lead never to threatened as the game ended 25-15.
Game four looked like it would be another runaway as the Griffins took the early lead and extended it with strong play at the net and Raton found ways to beat themselves. About the middle of the game down 11-2 Raton battled back to within four at 18-14 and 20-16. However it was what happened as Raton couldn’t make the plays to earn the points while Santa Fe Prep slammed the ball over and found the holes.
As a result of the Raton loss in this match Raton will host the West Las Vegas Lady Dons Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. to begin the first round of district playoffs in District 2AAA. Raton sits fifth in the district with a 2-7 record as of Thursday afternoon. West is in a rebuilding year and found themselves at the bottom of the district with a 0-9 record. Robertson and St Mikes sit tied in first place at 8-1 according to the standings posted today on MaxPreps.
Jv
SF Prep 8. 13
Raton. 25. 25
Varsity
SF Prep. 26. 17. 25. 25
Raton. 24. 25. 15. 17
