REIGNING CATS, AND DAWGS
Gadsden's Yessel Alvidrez serves to the Las Cruces High Bulldawgs September 17th in Las Cruces. The Panthers beat the Bulldawgs 3-2 and will face local powerhouse Centenial High School Tuesday, September 20th in Las Cruces.
LAS CRUCES, N.M.— Shoes screeched against the glossy finish of a wood court. Hands and forearms reverberated the smack of a pink leather ball as it floated across the net. A sea of maroon and gold juxtaposed the gymnasium’s royal blue bleachers as fans cheered the panther war cry and listened as it reverberated off the walls.
At first glance, one might assume this was a scene straight out of Anthony, New Mexico. In fact, this was at the heart of Bulldawg country.
Saturday’s matchup between the visiting Gadsden Panthers (#15) and the Bulldawgs of Las Cruces (#20), became a riveting battle that showcased the strengths of both teams entering the first district matchup of the season.
The Panthers and the Bulldawgs entered the court in a gracefully violent showmanship of impressive digs, blocks, and spikes that would become a common sight throughout the afternoon.
Coach Priscilla Jaramillo paced court side, observing her players’ as they responded to their Las Cruces opponents. Her eyes never left the court.
By the end of the first set, the Panthers had clinched their first victory of the afternoon, leading the bulldogs 25-18. The game quick, and it seemed Gadsden had just begun to hit their stride on the court.
The second set, however, was a different story. The Bulldawgs came out on fire for redemption. Las Cruces rejected Gadsden’s search for a consecutive victory and rallied to beat the Panthers 25-23 in the second set. It was clear these ladies were looking for a dogfight.
By the third set, the match shifted in favor of the Bulldawgs. After a string a costly errors, the Panthers were beginning to fall apart; Las Cruces seized the moment and capitalized on it. The Bulldawgs hammered the Panthers 25-14. It was the worst set of the night for Gadsden.
It was also a wake up call.
As players took to their positions, it was unclear whether the fourth set was to be the final nail in the Panther’s coffin.
As we saw in the second round, the momentum shifted. This time, in favor of Gadsden at the relief of a rowdy crowd of the Panther faithful. The Panthers picked up where they left off at the end of the first round, beating the Bulldawgs 25-18. With two victories by both teams, the match was to be decided by a fifth and final set.
It was a classic showdown. It was a valiant fight, but victory came at the hands of the Gadsden Panthers, 19-17 in the final round.
Gadsden, both athletes and fans, celebrated momentously. The Bulldawgs, all-the-while, saw the reflection of their hung heads on their home court’s glossy finish.
The victors will be facing the Las Cruces powerhouse, Centennial High School (#2), Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.. Will the panthers continue their run, painting the City of the Crosses maroon and gold?
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Well done. Good digging and crawling. Black and white is an interesting choice. Funny thing is that the only places these could be published would publish them in color. But…that’s another issue.
Good job.
Well done. Good digging and crawling. Black and white is an interesting choice. Funny thing is that the only places these could be published would publish them in color. But…that’s another issue.
Good job.