Lady Cats like depth

After three consecutive losses in the Class 5A state quarterfinals, the Clovis High volleyball team is gearing for a deeper postseason run this season.

Coach Darrel Ray, beginning his ninth season at the helm, thinks the Lady Wildcats have the personnel to do it. Clovis went 17-7 last season and 4-1 in District 4-5A (including a playoff win over Hobbs for the district title).

“We think the team could be something special,” said Ray, who has spent about two decades coaching in the program. “I think this is one of the three or four best (Clovis) teams I can remember. They have a good skill set and are very athletic.”

The Lady Cats are moving from a 5-1 set to a 6-2 this season, Ray said, meaning that last year’s backup setter, junior Carissa Grummer, will often be on the court with returning senior starter Meagan Baglien.

Count Baglien a fan of the change. She said takes some pressure off her as a setter.

“In a 5-1, it’s all dependent on me,” she said. “I like (the 6-2).”

Baglien said she played some front row as a sophomore on the junior varsity.

“I’m kind of excited to get back to it,” she said. “It’s a little nerve-racking after not doing it last year, but I think I’ll do all right.”

Depth should be an asset, Ray said.

“We’re going to be a stronger, deeper, more experienced team,” he said. “I don’t know if we’ll be bigger, but those other three qualities might take the place of that.”

Senior outside hitter Lainey Flatow and junior middle blocker Antiesha Brown are returning starters. Delaney Ware, a junior who earned time off the bench last season, will also be a middle blocker while three players are competing for time at right-side hitter — freshman Alek Mendoza, junior Carmella Caltagirone and senior Leia Willis.

Adding depth are senior defensive specialists Adrianna Aguilar, Vanessa Gallegos and Nicole Anaya, sophomore libero Felicia Aguilar, senior outside hitter Morgan Duval and freshman outside hitter Kirsti Shough.

“We’ve got a lot more depth than we’ve had for the last two or three years,” Ray said. “I feel like if somebody’s off their game or just needs a rest, we have kids who can spot in.”

Baglien thinks the Lady Cats have a well-rounded squad.

“We have a good group of talent,” she said. “We’ve got passers, hitters and setters — we’ve got the whole deal.”

Ray said he doesn’t see a prohibitive favorite this year in 5A. He said Rio Rancho probably goes in as the favorite, but sees his squad in a group close behind with Las Cruces High and La Cueva.

“If we’re passing and serving (well), we’re going to be tough,” he said. “We’ve got six kids that can hit.”