Wildcats use ineligible player, forfeit six volleyball victories

Las Vegas' volleyball team went from a lock to win the Northeast League to struggling to make the playoffs in a span of minutes.

The Wildcats, who won their first 10 league matches, had to forfeit six of those wins because of the use of an ineligible player.

Las Vegas reported the violation to the Clark County School District athletic office and the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association.

"It was a screwup on our part," Las Vegas athletic director Art Plunkett said. "Sue (Thurman, volleyball coach) did nothing wrong."

The player, who was academically ineligible for matches from the beginning of the season through Oct. 2, played in each of Las Vegas' first nine wins. An appeal to the NIAA, based on the player's contribution to victory, was denied.

"After reviewing game film and the score sheets, the individual was the team's No. 2 server and a contributor in the back row," NIAA executive director Eddie Bonine said.

Las Vegas' record changed from 13-8 overall and 10-0 in the league to 4-17 and 4-6 entering Thursday's match at Rancho. The Wildcats now are in fifth place in the league.

• SOCCER FORFEIT -- Cimarron-Memorial's boys soccer team has forfeited a win in its Oct. 13 match against Mojave due to the use of an academically ineligible player.