Morenci High School - Copper Cat Yearbook (Morenci, AZ)

Page 33 text:

Varsity upsets Benson in first round of divisional tournament Lady Cats Come Close A tough schedule led to the Lady Cats starting the season with a losing streak as four of the squad’s first five games were against Thatcher and Safford — both de- fending state champions in their classes. “It was a discouraging start,’’ claimed sophomore Heidi Scheier, “because we didn’t have much of a chance against them.” The highlight of the season was the Cats’ upset victory over Willcox on the Cowgirls’ home court in the last regular season match of the year. After losing the first game, 12-15, Morenci came back to win the last two, 15-12 and 17-15. ‘‘I thought the match would never end,” ad- mitted Mario Medina. “I knew we could win, but it was really nerve wracking.” The Lady Cats’ surprise victory over the Cowgirls gave the local squad a fifth place finish in the conference, pitting them against Benson in the first round of the divisional tournament. Although Benson had decisively beaten the girls, 7-15, 2-15, in their prior meet- ing, this match belonged to the Cats. After losing the first game, 12-15, Mor- enci came back to win the last two, 15-2, 15-11. The Benson victory meant a rematch with Thatcher in the semifinals. “We were really excited after our win against Benson, but we didn’t have the exper- ience to beat Thatcher,” commented Eri- ka Ruedas. “Maybe next year!” Although the J.V. squad did not start off well, they gradually improved ending the season with 4 wins and 12 losses. “We started getting serious halfway through the season, and that’s when we started winning some games,” concluded Dee Dee Horn. “It’s my job to get the ball up to the net so it will be easier for the setter to get it to the hitter — Leslie Mitchell IT’S MINE. Senior Leslie Mitchell bumps the ball with backup help from Mario Medina. The Lady Cats beat Pima in two games. 15-13, 15-7. PERFECT FORM. Against Duncan in their last home game of the season, J.V. player Pxiscilla Ba pa sets the ball up to the net in the squad s Tb-v, To-3 victory. GOING FOR THE KILL. In the match with Clif- ton, hitter Heidi Scheier spikes the ball to the oppo- nent’s court in the 15-9, 15 0 win. Varsity and J.V. Volleyball 29

Page 32 text:

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Thatcher 0-15, 3-15 Cobre 1315. 14-16 Safford 2-15, 7-15 Thatcher 315. 2-15 Safford 9-15, 9-15 ‘Clifton 15-2, 15-12 Tombstone 15-10. 4-15, 15-12 Pima 15-13. 15-7 Miami 3-15. 6-15 St. Gregory 15-9. 15-4 ‘Pima 15-11. 13-15, 7-15 ‘Benson 7-15, 2-15 Clifton 15-9, 15-0 Miami 7-15. 4-15 ‘Duncan 4 15. 11-15 ‘Willcox 12-15, 15-12, 17-15 “Benson 12-15. 15-2, 15-11 “Thatcher 9-15, 6-15 Won 7 Lost 11 ‘Conference “Divisional Tourney J. V. VOLLEYBALL Thatcher 3-15, 13-15 Cobre 12-15, 8-15 Safford 2-15. 3-15 Thatcher 4-15, 2-15 Safford 1-15, 7-15 Clifton 15-10, 13-15, 9-15 Tombstone 15-13, 15-8 Pima 3-15, 15-8, 13-15 Miami 15-4, 13-15, 15-12 St. Gregory 15-2. 10-15, 15-2 Pima 9-15. 14-16 Benson 15-13. 0-15, 9-15 Clifton 13-15. 2-15 Miami 9 15. 6-15 Duncan 15-9, 153 Willcox 8-15, 13-15 Won 4 Lost 12 BREAKING SERVE. In the J.V.’s 12-15. 8-15. 14-16 loss to Cobre, Dee Dee Horn bumps the ball to her setter. ALL EYES ON THE BALL. In their only match of the year with Duncan, sophomore Erika Ruedas bumps the ball back to the net as her teammates Mario Medina and Leslie Mitchell await the out- come. The Cats lost two straight. 4-15, 11-15. 28 Varsity J.V.Volleyball VARSITY VOLLEYBALL: FRONT ROW: Cheryl Brannon, mgr.; Tina Bendel, Alma Morales. Erika Ruedas. Mandy Barridu-N«lUg-Aguilar. Deidra Peete. Angel Vidales, mgr BACK ROW: Richelle Harper, mgr.; Heidi Scheier, elly Ladnei Beverly Scroggins. Kristina Webb, Harlo Medina, Shannon Williams, mgr.; Noralea Gale, coach. J.V. VOLLEYBALL: FRONT ROW: Dusty Dangerfield, mgr.; Geofgianne Sandoval. Cheryl Gale, Billi. Bende|. Lisa Swesey, LeeAnn Saiz, mgr.BACK ROW: Tim Leuthauser, coach; Roxanne Moreno. Dee 1 Horn, Jenny Snider. PfjftrilU FW Stephanie Freida, Rosie Moreno.

Page 34 text:

Seventh graders place second in conference tournament A Season Worth Remembering Finishing second in the Eastern Arizona Junior High Tournament held at Thatch- er, the seventh grade concluded a very successful 10-3 season under new head coach Diane Blair. Two of the squad’s three losses, including the tournament championship, were to Fort Thomas. “Their serves were so hard the girls had a hard time receiving them,’ observed Coach Blair. The squad’s biggest win of the season came against the undefeated Thatcher Eagles in the semi-final game of the EA tournament. “Thatcher hadn’t lost a game all season and nobody really ex- pected us to beat them,” admitted Lydia Arguellez. “We soundly trounced them, 15-11, 15-1.” Carrie Smith was the undisputed team leader. “I only wish I had six more like her,” admitted Blair. “She’s so funda- mentally sound — a coaches’ dream. Val- erie Roybal did a good job setting for Carrie throughout the season,” she ad- ded. “They made a great combination!” Unfortunately, the eighth grader’s re- cord was just the opposite. Although they only won 2 of 11 games, the squad felt like it accomplished a lot. “Coach Blair made us get down to basics,” commented Jennifer Jackson. “She made us work hard but it made a big difference in the end.” “We learned skills we’ll be able to apply next year in high school,” added Chastity Broderick. “Volleyball is a lot of fun — especially the out-of-town trips. I like playing in differ- ent gyms — Brandi Herbert GOOD FORM. Technique player Brandi Her- bert. 12. uses good form in hitting the ball to the setter in the J.V.’s first loss of the season to the Thatcher Eagles. 12-15, 0-15. GOT IT1 Setting the ball for a hit by her teammate Adrianne Goseyun, 22, is Danielle Arguellez. 52. The varsity squad won the match against Safford. 7-15, 16-14, 15-8. CELEBRATION. The seventh grade team is all smiles after their 15-13, 9-15, 15-3 home win against Clifton. 30 Junior High Volleyball