Fort Sumner advances to state finals

ALBUQUERQUE— Fort Sumner advanced to the finals with a 25-11, 25-20, 25-11 win over Magdalena. The Vixens (22-1) seek their fifth title in 13 years at 5 p.m. today against Animas.

The Vixens got 17 kills and three blocks from senior Bree Lucero in outlasting Magdalena.

Senior Racheal Chavez added 11 kills, 16 digs and six aces, while sophomore Sarah Stinnett posted seven kills and 28 digs.

“It was a nice victory, but it wasn’t easy,” Vixens coach Lisa McMath said. “Our focus coming in was that we’d lost in the semifinals last year trying to look ahead to the championship.”

The Lady Steers were solid defensively and Fort Sumner had to exhibit some patience, McMath said.

“You’ve jut got to keep moving and talking, covering your hitters, and keep your eyes on the ball at all times,” she said. “Offensively, you either had to hit it hard or place it, not just get it over (the net).”