NMAA Video
By: St. Pius X Digital Content | Saturday, November 15
For the third straight November, the blue trophy belonged to St. Pius X.
The top-ranked Sartans capped a remarkable 24-3 season by sweeping rival Albuquerque Academy 27-25, 25-23, 25-18 in the Class 4A state championship Saturday at Rio Rancho Events Center, completing a three-peat that cements the program as one of New Mexico’s premier dynasties.
St. Pius X (24-3), winners of 19 straight matches to close the season, leaned on its experience, depth, and trademark defensive grit to take down an Academy squad that entered the final 21-8 and riding its own postseason surge.
Comebacks Define a Championship Performance
St. Pius X trailed in all three sets,down 21-16 in the first, 9-5 in the second, and 10-6 in the third, before rallying each time.
“A testament to Academy,” head coach Jordan Russell told the Albuquerque Journal. “They really pushed us (Saturday) even more than I really thought they would.”
But the Sartans, winners of 19 straight matches to finish the season, never blinked.
“But my girls have grit,” Russell said. “That’s kind of been our motto is to just show grit and battle through the adversity.”
That grit showed in the closing points of each set, where St. Pius X leaned on its depth, defense, and poise to close the door on the Chargers.
Defense, Serving, and Senior Leadership Lead the Way
Senior libero Maya Perea, the anchor of the Sartan back row, delivered another brilliant performance, tracking everything and stabilizing the defense that has defined St. Pius X volleyball during its championship run.
Senior outside Alyssa Bendinskas, the team’s leader in kills (227) and digs (188) during the regular season, again paced the offense with steady production and timely serves. Sweetin, the 6-1 sophomore middle, continued her breakout season, adding valuable points in the middle after hitting a team-best .355 during the year.
Sanchez, one of the most reliable setters in Class 4A, guided the offense with poise, finishing her senior campaign with 279 assists in the regular season. Sophomore setter Grace Grady and senior setter Ava Robertson combined to keep the attack balanced and unpredictable.
Head coach Jordan Russell, along with assistants Caitlin Robertson, Jim Farmer, and Isaiah Bradford, praised the group’s resilience after a September stretch that included losses to Cleveland, Albuquerque High, and La Cueva. The Sartans responded by winning their remaining 19 matches, sweeping through district play (8-0) and dominating the state tournament without dropping a single set.
A Program Built to Last
St. Pius X’s third consecutive championship reflects not only a talented senior class, but a complete program built on fundamentals, player development, and culture. Juniors Harrington, Eakes, and Claire McCarthy, along with sophomores Sweetin, Lily DiLorenzo, and Grady, ensure the Sartans remain contenders heading into 2026.
But Saturday was about this team, this moment, and this three-year run that has become one of the most consistent and commanding eras in recent 4A volleyball history.
A trophy for 2023.
A trophy for 2024.
Another trophy for 2025.
On Saturday afternoon, St. Pius X made it official: the dynasty continues.
ST. PIUS X VOLLEYBALL — 2025 STATE CHAMPIONS
ROSTER
3 — Maya Perea, Sr., L, 5'5"
4 — Aliyah Lucero, Sr., DS, 5'8"
5 — Jasmine Martinez, Sr., OPP, 5'10"
6 — Sophia Eakes, Jr., MB, 5'11"
7 — Sienna Harrington, Jr., OH, 5'11"
8 — Lily DiLorenzo, So., DS, 5'8"
9 — Lizzie Coash, Jr., DS/RS, 5'7"
10 — Alyssa Bendinskas, Sr., OH/DS, 5'8"
11 — Sierra Sanchez, Sr., S/RS, 5'7"
12 — Mireya Sauceda, Sr., OPP/MB, 5'9"
13 — Ava Robertson, Sr., S, 5'8"
14 — Claire McCarthy, Jr., OPP, 5'10"
15 — Grace Grady, So., S/RS, 5'8"
16 — Katelyn Sweetin, So., MB, 6'1"
COACHING STAFF
Jordan Russell — Head Coach
Caitlin Robertson — Assistant Coach
Jim Farmer — Assistant Coach
Isaiah Bradford — Assistant Coach