Coach: Lady Rams prepared for rematch against Artesia

After a win over Dexter to start District 4-3A play, Portales High returns home today to face Artesia (12-2) for a rematch.

Portales coach Ruth Chavez said the team knows what to expect from Artesia since they played last week in Artesia.

“We know now that they triple-blocked us,” Chavez said. “They are basically a little different than what have seen other teams.”

Artesia lost to Clovis 3-2 on Tuesday, snapping a nine-match winning streak.

Portales (7-6) battled for five games against the Bulldogs only to come up short.

The Lady Rams were down two games to Artesia before they rallied back to force the fifth game in the series. In the fifth game errors ruled the game, and the Bulldogs held on.

Chavez said she and Artesia coach Stacy Gowen are close friends, and each like the non-district tuneup opportunity.

“I think it is very important to teach your team how to adjust,” Chavez said. “I always tell them to play your game, but teams are going to try and shut Jenna (Wagner) down.”

Portales moves back into 4-3A with a Tuesday home match against Lovington.