There were many interesting stories coming into the 2007 state volleyball tournament and there are many that will be talked about until the start of the 2008 season. There were a ton of ‘what if’s’ and a lot of could have and should have been’s.

There was the amazing run by Andrea Quintana’s Del Norte Knights team which advanced to the Class 4A semi-finals before losing to district foe Moriarty and Raynee Trujillo’s Robertson team which made the school’s first ever state championship appearance, before losing to Portales.

Many eyes were on the 2A bracket where Mesilla Valley and Texico both entered the tournament 22-0. But something happened in pool play and the dream match was never to be as Jal beat Mesilla 3-2 in the quarter-finals.

How about the Texico Wolverines though? The only team in the Land of Enchantment to finish undefeated at 25-0 and an amazing 75-3 in total games. Michael Littlejohn, great job as the Lady Wolverines went 15-1, counting pool play, in the tournament. They capped it off with a 3-1 state championship win over Navajo Prep as Bryn Mayfield had 37 assists, 6 kills, 13 digs, 3 aces, and 5 blocks.

What about the Lady Pintos in Moriarty. Head coach Kim Bell started the season on a down note, due a family situation, and with the leadership of the Valencia twins, guided the team to a 3-0 sweep over Roswell for the 4A title.

Eric Zamora (Kirtland) knew going into the tournament without his top setter it was going to be rough, and that it was as the Lady Broncos lost to Del Norte in the opening round.

The Portales Lady Rams continue to show why they are, year in and year out, a state power. They entered the tournament as district runner-up to Ruidoso and won it all, in a four game win over Robertson.

What about Steve Brown and Ruidoso? Through out the season, the Lady Warriors were ranked numero uno. Ruidoso will return.

I believe it was no or little surprise that Rio Rancho won the 5A title, again. They were the preseason number one and lived up to it all season long. The Lady Rams beat La Cueva 3-1 to claim the title. That 5A bracket played out beautifully with a list of heavy weights.

On a final note, the staff at NMOTSC thanks all the coaches for calling in scores and stats. Thanks for allowing us to be part of your season and we hope to be part of it again next year.