Lady Panthers reload with sophomores for defense of 1A State VB titles

The Pahranagat Valley High School girls volleyball team defends its back-to-back 1A State Championships this season, but will do so with a lot of new faces.

Rylee Lewis and Allie Lasike return as starters this year after going 12-0 in league play last year. The 2025 team lost just six matches all year, but those expectations are quite lofty for this team that’s reloading with sophomores.

“They will be positive leaders and a huge part of our offense and defense this season,” PVHS head coach Milly Walch said of Lewis and Lasike. “After that we have really young players: 10 sophomores. It’s not a bad thing. They are willing to learn and get better, very eager to play. So a few of them along with freshman setter Ella Pearson will be starting for us this season.”

The Lady Panthers fell at Smith Valley 3-0, and 2-0 against Portola and Carson in Yerington over the weekend. PVHS was in every set played against Portola, falling 25-22, 25-21.

The team plays at the Beatty Tournament this weekend. League competition starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Liberty Baptist Academy.

“We will need lots of patience with each other and developing, but by the end, I have no doubt we will be competing. This team has a positive team vibe and all the ingredients to be great,” Walch commented.