The Lady Wildcats finished regular season volleyball on a three-game skid, but should still qualify for the 16-team state playoff bracket if they can remain inside the top 16 in power points. They entered Saturday’s loss to Rock Point ranked 14th.
Their week began on Tuesday, with a 1-3 loss to rival Mogollon. The Wildcats took the first game 25-21, but dropped the next three, 19-25, 11-25 and 23-25. Kayle James led in kills with 12. Kaci Palmer added 9. Sahzira Schoby led the team in digs with 23. Tori Beatty added 16, Jaydiana Kinlicheenie had 14, and James helped with 12. James and Schoby each led the team in assists with 9 apiece.
On Thursday night Joseph City traveled to Fort Thomas where they fell in five games. They lost the first two games 17-25 and 13-25, but battled back taking game three 25-19, and game four 25-13. The fifth and final game went to the Apaches, 11-15. James again led in kills with 11. Kamryn Lampsa added 9. Schoby had 25 digs. Beatty added 17, James 14, and Kinlicheenie had 11. James also led in assists with 15. Beatty had 10 assists.
Saturday afternoon the Wildcats made the long road trip to Rock Point where they fell in four games 1-3. Joseph City won the first game 25-23, but dropped the last three, 23-25, 23-25 and 15-25.
Palmer led in attacks with 12. James had 17 digs. Beatty had 16 and Shenoa Skidmore helped with 15 digs.
Joseph City will now play in the 1A Copper East Tournament this weekend. They will have to await the final rankings to see where they will play if they advance to the final state tournament bracket. The first round of the 1A state tournament begins on Halloween night at the sites of the higher-seeded teams.
Joseph City finished the regular season with a record of 9-8.
