The Pagosa Springs High School Lady Pirate volleyball team ended its season on a high note, winning their final game at the Coal Ridge Tournament in New Castle.
The Lady Pirates closed their season out in New Castle, playing four games across Halloween weekend. The girls started with two games on Friday, Oct. 30, and then played two more the following day, on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Even though the Lady Pirates finished 1-3 at the tournament, coach Chelsea Caler indicates she’s proud of the girls’ effort across both days.
“We finished 1-3 on the weekend, but there were some really competitive moments,” wrote Caler in an email to The SUN. “We played several close sets and were right there in a number of matches. Our biggest challenge was finding the consistency to finish those sets. I was proud of the way some of our players continued to compete, adjust and find opportunities to contribute in different roles.”
The Lady Pirates started off the tournament Friday with a 1:45 p.m. game against 5A Grand Junction. The Lady Pirates fell 2-0, losing the first set 25-16 and the second set 25-22.
Dawson Iverson led the girls with six kills and three total blocks in the match. Liana Vega had a team-high two aces. Iverson and Darria Fiorenza each had a team-high five digs, and Vega led the girls with 10 assists.
Later on Friday, the girls matched up with 3A Delta and lost 2-1.
Delta won the first set 25-23, but the Lady Pirates won the next set 25-19 to force a third set. Delta eventually won 15-13 in a close set.
Iverson led the girls with 12 kills. Tatiana Monterroso had a team-high four aces. Malorie Morton and Avea Bruce each had a block. Fiorenza had 11 digs to lead the girls, and Vega had a team-high 21 assists in the match.
The Lady Pirates played their first match of Saturday against 3A Valley at 11:15 a.m.
The girls lost 2-0, losing the first set 25-22 and the second set 26-24.
Ellie Vining had a team-high six assists. Monterroso, Fiorenza and Vining each led the team with one ace. Vining and Bruce had the Lady Pirates’ only two blocks. Monterroso led the girls with eight digs, and Vega had a team-high 17 assists in the match.
The girls played their final game of the tournament and of the season later that day against 4A Rifle.
After losing the first set 25-22, the girls roared back to take two of three, winning the second set 25-21 and the third set 16-14.
“It was nice to finish the weekend with a win and give the girls something positive to take away from the tournament,” wrote Caler. “It’s always good to see the team put things together and finish competing.”
The girls finished the season as the 45th ranked team in 3A with a 6-17 overall record and a 2-4 record in league play, which allowed them to finish in fourth place in the league.
Caler emphasizes that this season taught the Lady Pirates that accountability, communication and coachability are essential for a successful program.
“Talent alone isn’t enough,” wrote Caler. “Growth requires a willingness to accept feedback, make adjustments, trust the process and put the team first. It also takes a shared commitment from athletes, coaches and families to create an environment where players can develop and succeed. Those are standards we’ll continue to prioritize moving forward.”
The team is losing a group of five seniors this year. Iverson, Nevaeh Evans, Monterroso, Morton and Saleisha Black all played their final match in a Lady Pirate uniform this season.
“I’m grateful for the time our seniors invested in the program,” wrote Caler. “They brought experience and leadership to the court. I wish each of them the best as they move into their next chapter.”
Despite the year coming to a close just last week, Caler is already excited for next year. Next year’s squad will return six players from this year’s team and the junior varsity team was built specifically with the future of the program in mind, emphasizes Caler.
“We have a competitive group of younger athletes who have been developing their skills, learning our systems and preparing for those next opportunities,” wrote Caler. “Our staff has put a lot of thought into building continuity between levels, and I’m excited to see that investment carry forward. There’s a strong foundation here, and I’m excited about where we can take it.”
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