Clovis Christian coasts in opener

CNJ staff photo: Eric Kluth/Clovis Christian’s Mikyhla Petty (left) and Mara Bell double team Gateway Christian’s Crystal Hernandez during Tuesday’s match at CCHS.

Rick White

A slight bout of opening-night jitters was about the only fault Clovis Christian coach Ceil Boatman could find as the Eagles cruised to a three-set win over Gateway Christian.

Riding the net play of seniors Rachel Daale and Mara Bell and solid back-row passing, the Eagles downed the rebuilding Lady Warriors of Roswell 25-18, 25-12, 25-8 Tuesday in a non-district match at CCHS gym.

“We were a little sloppy the first game,” sophomore Clovis Christian setter Mollie Peterson said. “But once we settled down, we played a lot better.

“We started to set up Rachel and Mara, and they took care of it.”

Daale, a 6-foot senior, and Bell combined for 14 kills and 11 blocks.

Boatman was pleased with her team’s consistency throughout the match.

“We stress fundamentals,” said Boatman, in her ninth season as CCHS coach. “If you’re solid in your fundamentals, you’ll win most games.”

Clovis Christian used an 8-0 run to break open a back-and-forth opening game behind the serving of Daale, who recorded three aces.

By the middle of the second game, the Eagles (1-0) were cruising as Daale and Bell started to control the net. The Eagles closed out the game on a 15-4 run and never looked back.

Bell had five kills in game three and Peterson served the last seven points.

“The thing that is hurting us is consistency,” Gateway Christian coach Eric Coll said.