Mojo Defends Title At Monahans Tourney
Monahans – For the third consecutive year, the Lady Panthers walked away from the Monahans Volleyball Tournament as Champions. The 51st annual event was held at the Jerry Larned Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday.
Three Lady Panthers were named to the All-Tournament Team. Keeley Granado nabbed the tournament ‘Most Valuable Player’ honors. Bridgit Smithee was recognized as the tourney’s ‘Outstanding Hitter’, while Kenzie Dalrymple received ‘Outstanding Defensive Specialist’ honors.
Permian opened up Friday’s ‘Pool E’ play with a sweep of Fabens (25-11, 25-20). Midland TLCA would next fall prey to Mojo in two sets (25-5, 25-8). Continuing their dominance, the Lady Panthers defeated Denver City in straight sets – 25-16 and 25-22. Six quick sets would produce three pool wins to send Mojo into the Gold Bracket as a top seed.
Permian drew Midland Christian to open bracket action on Saturday. Mojo was able to dispose of the Mustangs in two sets (25-21, 25-13) to advance in the tournament. Compass Academy hoped to put an end to the Lady Panthers’ trek to the championship. The Mojo ladies were to have none of such talk and dished out a two-set sweep of the Cougars (25-16, 25-21).
Down to the lone pair of undefeated teams, Permian and El Paso Burges stepped on the court. The battle ensued with the Lady Black Cats coming out on top of a narrow 26-24 decision in the first set. Mojo took control of the second set and slapped a 25-10 victory together to claim the championship game and title.
Smithee led Mojo in kills with 22 during Saturday’s three-game blast, with Kaibree Alvarado and Granado recording 15. Kailei Aguilar donated 45 assists. Garrin Coy and Marilyn Longoria led in digs, logging 14 and 13 respectively. Smithee and Dalrymple finished with 10 digs each.
Permian will finally enjoy playing before its home faithful on Tuesday in the 2025 home opener against Pecos at the PHS Fieldhouse. A trip to the metroplex for the Granbury Tournament is slated for next weekend, August 21-23.