They're only three matches into the season, but the strides the Monte del Sol Lady Dragons (2-1) made in Wednesday's 15-25, 25-12, 25-7, 19-25, 15-13 win over Santa Fe Waldorf in volleyball was enough to impress head coach Emily Carlson.

"This was a very intense win for us," Carlson said after her team's nondistrict match at Fort Marcy. "The girls, they were getting everything down and making plays when they had to. As a coach it was fun to watch. It was amazing, actually."

Monte del Sol had only five missed hits all night. Its efficiency was key as Waldorf extended the match to a decisive Game 5.

"We pulled together and didn't give up," Carlson said. "Each time they got close, we pulled out a big play."

Seniors Monique Lujan and Kamille Archie-Payne — the only upperclassmen on the Monte del Sol roster — led the way with a combined eight service aces.

Lujan added two kills and four blocks while Archie Payne chipped in with a kill, a dig and two blocks.

Freshman Erin Brooke finished with three aces and three kills, helping Monte del Sol keep the ball in play with a solid night as the back-row specialist.

Outside hitter Aisha Herrera helped the Lady Wolves storm back to force a decisive fifth game with three aces and three kills.