Provided by Danny Zuniga
2026 4A State Race: Artesia splits opening-day matches, falls to Goddard in 4A quarterfinals
RIO RANCHO, N.M.- The Artesia Bulldogs (16-9) opened play in the 2026 4A volleyball state tournament at the Rio Rancho Events Center Nov. 12. Artesia split its two volleyball matches, defeating Santa Teresa in four sets before falling to Goddard in a three-set sweep.
First-round Final: Artesia 3, Santa Teresa 1.
Quarterfinals Final: Goddard 3, Artesia 0.
The day started off with a tough bout for Artesia as they faced a feisty Santa Teresa (15-7) bunch.
“I thought we started off pretty slow, but we came together and finished strong,” libero Breckyn Miller said.
Artesia took the first set, but Santa Teresa rallied and stole the second set, 25-20.
The Bulldogs won the third set, 25-22, then dominated the fourth, 25-19, to secure a 3-1 victory.
“It was a group thing. We all got the energy back up and got it done,” Artesia middle back Miley Perez said.
A standout Bulldog from the first matchup was outside hitter Maegen Martinez, a key cog in the offense who finished with a ton of kills. Senior Avery Frederick also brought some juice on both sides of the ball.
Against number-three-seeded Goddard, Artesia lost all three sets and failed to surpass 20 points in any set. In fact, Goddard held Artesia to 43 total points, winning the sets 25-14, 25-11 and 25-18.
Artesia outside hitter Gracen Kuykendall tries to block
The Rockets’ outside hitter duo of Payton Abalos and Olvia Riffell wreaked havoc all game and were lethal with their shot selections.
It marked the fourth time this season that Goddard defeated Artesia.
“We’ve played them a lot, and we’ve been really close every time. We thought we could get it [this time]. But it’s okay; they’re really talented,” Artesia right-side hitter Gracen Kuykendall said.
However, the Bulldogs’ season is not over.
“We have a lot of friendships on this team, and we have really bonded. I’m going to remember these girls forever,” Kuykendall said.
Artesia will face Belen in a consolation matchup Friday at 10 a.m. With a victory, the Bulldogs would play either Portales or Kirtland Central Saturday morning.
