The Goddard Rockets volleyball team swept Roswell 25-23, 25-20, 25-11 on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Coyote Den in the final crosstown rivalry match of the season.
The victory marked Goddard’s second sweep of Roswell this season. The Rockets previously defeated the Coyotes 25-19, 25-13, 25-18 on Sept. 17 at Goddard High School.
Outside hitters Payton Abalos and Olivia Riffell led the Rockets’ attack. Abalos recorded 20 kills, nine digs and two blocks, while Riffell added 11 kills and nine digs.
Goddard head coach Andy Luikens praised the two hitters and said he was encouraged by the team’s balanced offensive performance.
“Recently, I’ve been thinking we need to have a more balanced attack and get the middle blockers going,” Luikens said. “I think the team did a pretty good job at that against Roswell.”
Goddard (14-3) opened the first set on a 3-0 run, but Roswell responded with a 4-1 run to tie the score at 4. The teams traded points throughout the set before the Rockets took a 17-13 lead at the first timeout. The Coyotes mounted a late rally, but Goddard held on for a 25-23 victory.
Roswell (6-11) began the second set with a 3-1 lead before Goddard scored three consecutive points to take its first lead. The teams again traded points, with the Rockets holding a 19-15 advantage at the first timeout. Goddard maintained its composure down the stretch and won the set 25-20 to take a 2-0 lead.
The third set was more decisive. Goddard jumped to a 4-0 lead and never looked back, winning 25-11 to complete the sweep.
Luikens said he was pleased with the team’s response in the third set after some early struggles.
“I think we played a little sloppy and didn’t pass too well in the first two games,” Luikens said. “We had a few hitting errors, but I was pleased with the third game. We served tough and that’s what got us the win.”
Despite the loss, Roswell head coach Savanah Romero said she is proud of the way her team fought.
“I thought we played hard and took the game one point at a time,” Romero said.
With the rivalry matches behind them, both teams turn their attention to district competition.
Roswell starts District 4-5A play against Clovis (10-7) at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at home. Goddard opens District 4-4A action against Lovington (2-12) at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, on the road.
Marshall Mecham can be reached at (915) 232-1793 or on X @mecham_marshall. Mecham serves with the New Mexico Local News Fellowship, which places emerging journalists in newsrooms across the state. Learn more at www.newmexicolocalnewsfellowships.org.
