Lady Rams set to tackle tough slate

Entering her second season at the helm, Portales High volleyball coach Bailey Greenwalt knows her squad has its work cut out as usual in District 4-4A.

Still, she hopes her team’s returning experience bodes well against the likes of 2023 state semifinalists Artesia and Roswell Goddard.

“We have more experience than we’ve had in the past,” said Greenwalt, a PHS alum. “Almost all (the main players) have played varsity before.

“We’re still in our tough district. We have lots to prove, but the girls are really motivated.”

Top returnees for the Lady Rams (16-9, 2-4 district last season) include junior outside hitter Skyler Massey, senior setter Myleigh Banda, senior utility player Tya Rippee, senior libero Angel Ornelas and senior outside hitter Addi Ainsworth, who is moving from middle hitter a year ago.

The seniors have been with Greenwalt in her four campaigns in the program, including the first two as an assistant under Jacki Bailey.

“This is the group I started with,” she said. “It’s a pretty tough group.”

The Lady Rams open the season with a 5 p.m. tilt at Ruidoso on Thursday.

“We’ve grown defensively,” Greenwalt said. “It’s really important to be able to stay in system. If we receive (serve) well and can defend well, I think we’ll be in a great position.”

The district title still goes through Artesia, she said. Meantime, Goddard lost some key players to graduation, and Lovington also has a lot of younger players.

“They’re always tough,” Greenwalt said. “Artesia returns a lot of players. Goddard will be on the younger side this year, but they’re not someone to overlook.”