Playing in Winslow on Tuesday night the Lady Roadrunners were pushed to the limit before overtaking the Lady Bulldogs in five games.

Holbrook opened the match in fine form, winning the first game 25-19. Winslow turned the tables on the Lady Birds in the second with a 25-18 win. Game three went to Holbrook, 25-21, then Winslow forced a fifth game with a narrow 25-23 victory in the fourth game of the match. In the final game Holbrook pulled away to win 15-10, balancing its overall non-tournament record at 4-4 on the season.

The win was critical for the Lady Birds, moving them up to the number six position in the Division IV power point standings. The top ranked 16 teams will advance to the state playoffs at the conclusion of the regular season.

Holbrook received a solid performance from several team members. Aaren LaRose ended the night with six kills, a block, an assist and 13 digs. Bethany Baldwin was strong at the net with a season high 22 kills, leading the team in that category. She also had two assists and seven digs. Shantina Kinlicheenie gave an all around performance, serving three aces, and adding five kills, a block, 23 assists and 13 digs. Sophomore Tess Baldonado has returned to form following a sprained ankle, and ended with 15 kills, 22 digs, a block and an assist, and served three aces. Kellin Bakurza also contributed in a big way with 18 assists, 15 digs and an ace. Shandie Demuth had seven kills, two assists and five digs. Samantha Sam ended with a kill and three digs. Maria Garcia played solid defense at the Libero position with 14 digs. Corazon Alvarado ended with an assist and five digs. Janecia Nez helped the team with five digs.

After playing at Coconino on Thursday, the Lady Roadrunners will see plenty of action in the Snowflake Tournament today and Saturday (Sept. 23 and 24). This will be Holbrook’s final tournament of the year before the state playoffs begin.

With the loss, Winslow fell to 1-5 in power point games, and is currently ranked 42nd in Division III. The Lady Bulldogs will need to finish the season strong to make the state playoffs.