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Alamogordo closes the match on an 8-0 run to beat Ruidoso; Tularosa falls to Quemado.
It took all five sets and every ounce of energy the Lady Tigers had, but Alamogordo pulled away from Ruidoso when it mattered most, winning 27-25, 14-25, 25-15, 24-26, 15-6.
The win improves Alamogordo to 5-7 on the season.
The opening set set the tone. Neither team could pull away, and it took extra points before Alamogordo finally closed it out 27-25.
The Lady Tigers looked ready to build on that momentum early in the second set, jumping out to a 9-4 lead. Ruidoso answered emphatically. The Warriors took a 12-11 lead, stretched it to 18-12 and outscored Alamogordo 21-5 after trailing 9-4 to win the set 25-14 and even the match at 1-1.
Alamogordo responded with its most dominant set of the night. The Lady Tigers led 8-3, then 15-5 and 19-11 before cruising to a 25-15 win and a 2-1 match lead.
The fourth set looked headed the same direction. Alamogordo led 10-5 and still held a 15-13 edge midway through, but Ruidoso rallied to take a 23-20 lead. The Lady Tigers fought back to force extra points, but Ruidoso escaped 26-24 to tie the match 2-2 and force a deciding fifth set.
With the match on the line, Alamogordo took control early, scoring the first three points of the fifth set. Ruidoso clawed back within 7-6, but that was as close as the Warriors would get. The Lady Tigers scored the final eight points of the match to win the set 15-6 and seal the victory.
Alamogordo is back in action Saturday at Socorro.
In other area action, Tularosa fell to Quemado in straight sets.
The loss drops the Lady Cats to 3-8 on the season. Tularosa returns home Tuesday to host Hatch Valley.
Alamogordo 3, Ruidoso 2 27-25, 14-25, 25-15, 24-26, 15-6 Record: Alamogordo 5-7. Next: at Socorro, Saturday.
Quemado 3, Tularosa 0 Record: Tularosa 3-8. Next: vs. Hatch Valley, Tuesday.