• It’s a return to Albuquerque Sandia Prep Wednesday afternoon as St. Michael’s tries to avenge the tight season-opening 3-set loss there in the state 3A semifinals.
    Disappointed at being the 6th-seed, the Lady Horsemen had a successful trip to Raton Monday where it played the opening round against the 3rd-seeded Tigers and won via a sweep, the same as 2nd-seeded Sandia Prep did against visiting Dexter Monday.
    The scores were 25-16, 26-24, 25-19, and it advanced the Lady Horsemen, now 7-3 overall, to Wednesday’s semis. It was the fourth sweep for St. Michael’s, but being swept in the opener was tough in what where three close sets. The Sundevils are now 11-1 overall. In another quarters, 6th-seeded Mora swept past 3rd-seeded Eunice
    The championship match will be at UNM’s Dreamstyle Arena Friday.
    In up-to-date Lady Horsemen statistics, senior Aneesa Ulibarri is on top in digs with 138, and in service receptions with 155. Senior Jayla Martinez has served the most aces, 17, 8th-grader Maya Pino has the most blocks, 12, Martinez’ 140 assists lead the way, and junior Rhegan Glidewell has the most kills, 71.
    In Valerie Sandoval’s four years as head coach at her alma mater, she has won one state championship and was runner-up in another. Now, in this coronavirus pandemic shortened season, she’s hoping for another title.