Our Lady Tigers recently became bi-district champions this past Monday, beating the Eastwood
troopers in 3 sets: 25-18, 25-20, 25-20.

Hannah Payan led the Tigers with 12 kills, Kayla Carbajal had 10 kills, and Melody Stout had 37
assists.

“it was so much fun playing together because we all had the same mindset and we all wanted
the same thing. I think we all played for each other and played with heart. Winning was just a
plus.” Outside hitter Hannah Payan said.

The Lady Tigers have been working hard this season. Practicing 6 days a week, and putting in a lot of time, hard work, and dedication.

“Everyone pulled their weight; it wasn’t just one position carrying the team. That’s
what made us so effective, being able to perform six rotations around. Each player came out
ready and wanting to do their job”, said captain Melody Stout.

Since the Lady Tigers lost districts last year, the team has been working hard to get a win.

“Losing last year made the returning players hungrier for a win. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, so
we worked extremely hard”, Stout continued.

The Lady Tigers have had many years as district champs but had that interrupted last year. The
team came back this year and were able to turn it around and become bi-district champs. In
prior years the teams seem to be dominated by star players but this year it has been more of a
team effort. The volleyball team is a consistent winner and sets it apart from most athletic team
sports at El Paso High.

The program is one of the strongest sports team at our school and coach Yesenia Alarcon-
Ortega has made the volleyball teams one of the best programs in the city.

Coach Alarcon-Ortega has been able to have the team ranked as one of the best teams in the
state. This year was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but the Lady Tigers were able to capture
the bi-district crown.