After watching an eight-point match-clinching lead evaporate in the fourth set of Thursday night’s season opener against Tombstone, the Patagonia Lobos had ample reason to hang their heads and let victory slip away.
Except they didn’t. They took a breath, found another source of energy and willed their way to a 25-14, 15-25, 25-18, 24-26, 15-9 win over a taller, deeper Yellow Jackets team.
“Oh my God,” said Coach Brenda Somoza. “That was so many ups and downs and twists and turns, and I’m just so happy they came together in the end and pulled it out.
“Tombstone was a hell of a team, and I told them after that fourth set that you cannot let them decide. You cannot let them take your energy away, and you have to come out in this set stronger and play how you know how to play.”
And they did. The decisive set was tied at 4 when a Monique Snell kill give the Lobos a lead. Reyna Velasquez took over the serving duties and held them for the next seven points. Three in a row were the result of Snell kills, and a fourth came on a kill by her sister, freshman Thais Snell. Tombstone fought back to 13-9, but the Lobos polished them off from there.
Patagonia’s starting lineup: Amaya Somoza, Mina Sanchez, Monique Snell,, Nicole Cabrera, Charlotte Myers and Thais Snell. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
The bleachers were packed for the Lobos’ home opener. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Coach Brenda Somoza rallies the troops after dropping the fourth set. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Monique Snell places a shot over the Tombstone block. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Charlotte Myers kills one past the Tombstone defense. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Amaya Somoza sets the ball for her teammates. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
Nicole Cabrera receives serve. (Photo by Dave Lumia) 
The Lobos celebrate after blocking a Tombstone kill attempt. (Photo by Dave Lumia)
The Lobos got strong net play from Monique Snell and Charlotte Myers to win 14 of the final 17 points in the first set, and after an error-filled second set, Nicole Cabrera had three aces to help them win the third.
With Amaya Somoza serving, Patagonia scored the first six points in the fourth set, and the Lobos built their advantage to 20-12 before the pressure started taking a toll. A Monique Snell kill made it 23-21 to put them within two points of victory, but Tombstone scored five of the next six points to force a fifth set.
“There were a lot of areas for improvement,” Somoza said. “I mean, this was our first real game. I’m so proud of them to see them come out and battle against a team like that and a bigger school and pull off a win.”
The Lobos will hop on a bus Saturday for the round-robin Cochise Classic in Willcox, with matches against Fort Thomas, Bisbee and San Simon. Their next home match won’t be until Sept. 10 against Duncan.