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SPORTS Sartans Compete Across State Lines and Close to Home By John Johnson ’28
St. Pius X athletes have been busy representing the school across New Mexico and beyond. From road trips to California and Colorado to tournament action in Albuquerque, Sartan teams have already experienced memorable victories, difficult challenges and plenty of opportunities for growth.
Volleyball Sweeps Holtville in California The St. Pius X varsity volleyball team traveled to California to face the Holtville Vikings and returned home with an impressive three-set sweep. The Sartans represented St. Pius X proudly, showcasing this year’s talent while dominating an opponent in another state. The team returns to action Sept. 8 in the Metro Tournament at Cibola High School.
Football Rebounds with Win in Colorado The varsity football team also traveled to Holtville, California, where the Sartans battled hard but fell to the Vikings, 66–31. St. Pius X responded in a big way during its next road trip, defeating the Pagosa Springs Pirates in Colorado. The game went back and forth throughout the first half, with the Sartans trailing 21–20 at halftime. The momentum changed immediately after the break when St. Pius X recovered the second-half kickoff at the Pagosa Springs 10-yard line. From there, the Sartans took control, scoring repeatedly while the defense limited the Pirates’ opportunities. St. Pius X earned the 54–27 victory and returned home with momentum heading into its Homecoming rivalry game against the Albuquerque Academy Chargers on Sept. 17 at Nusenda Community Stadium.
Boys Soccer Battles Volcano Vista The St. Pius X boys soccer team fell to Volcano Vista, 5–4, on Sept. 3 in a fast-paced and competitive match.
PIUS WRITTEN | SPORTS
Both teams displayed quality passing, movement and shooting throughout the game. Nico Reyes scored twice for the Sartans, Christopher Justus added a goal off a corner kick and Lando Mileshosky scored on a free kick from just outside the box. Former Sartan Romelio Santa Cruz played a major role in the Hawks’ victory, scoring two goals against his former school. The Sartans finished the tournament with two wins, two losses and one tie. Although it was not the result the team wanted, the experience provided important lessons for the remainder of the season. “They were hoping to come in and win it all,” the Sartans’ coach said. “But it will set them up for lessons learned and show how they respond.” After defeating Albuquerque Academy, 8–1, during the tournament, the Sartans will now turn their attention toward other Class 4A contenders, including Gadsden and Santa Teresa. St. Pius X travels south to face those teams Sept. 18 and 19. Away from competition, the coach said one of his greatest joys is watching his children play soccer. “The best part is being at the games,” he said. “It has always been a joy since they were young, and it is no different now that they are older.” When asked which fictional coach he would most like to resemble, he selected Ted Lasso because of the character’s leadership and positive influence on his players.
Girls Soccer Shows Promise Against Nationally Ranked Hawks The St. Pius X girls varsity soccer team faced a major test against Volcano Vista, which was ranked No. 52 nationally by MaxPreps. Although the Sartans lost, 4–2, they showed plenty of promise in both their play and mentality against a highly ranked opponent. Vanessa Chichy scored the team’s first goal on a penalty kick, and Kayla Herrera added the second.
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