By Mike Smith
El Rito Media

Artesia High School swept the Carlsbad Cavegirls 3-0 Tuesday night to win round one of the annual volleyball fight for Eddy County.

The Lady Bulldogs won with scores 25-8, 25-12 and 25-5.

The loss puts the Cavegirls at 0-3 for the season as new head coach Taylor Hardison continues to try and find a system that will earn them their first win of the season.

“Artesia has got a tough team. We had moments where we were fighting with them to compete. We have a lot of stuff to work on at home,” she said.

After three games, Hardison said the Cavegirls have had some strong moments and full time consistency will be a plus for the team as the season moves on.

Hardison praised senior Kalion Fuentes for her play during Tuesday night’s matches. The defensive specialist made sure the rest of her teammates were in place and she provided hustle and leadership during all three games.

“Kalion didn’t give up the ball. She fought the entire time (and) she gave it her best,” Hardison said.

The Cavegirls have a break before the first home match of the season Tuesday against Lovington.

Game view from Artesia’s side

Tuesday’s game at the Bulldog Pit was the season opener for head coach Alan Williams, who enters his 13th season as Artesia’s head coach.

“First game of the season I’m just looking to see what we need to work on. I thought they played outstanding we did good,” he said.

“We had a great crowd it was a lot of fun; I think the kids were impressive,” Williams said.

He highlighted the play of junior setter Kirklyn Miller in the victory over Carlsbad.

“It’s the first time in her life she has set. She did an outstanding job running the offense for the team. I was really proud of her for stepping in that role for us this year,” he said.

Junior Kailee Padilla had six kills for Artesia. Last year she had 245 kills in her sophomore season.

The return match for both squads is Sept. 24 in Carlsbad.

Mike Smith can be reached by phone at 575-308-8734 or by email at msmith@currentargus.com and can be followed on the social platform X @MSmithartesianm.