Spartans volleyball sweeps Round Valley to move to 9-2

October 10, 2024 (Appeared on the Arizona Daily Sun website)

The Northland Prep Academy volleyball team remains undefeated (4-0) in the 2A North Region after sweeping Round Valley 25-20, 25-20, 25-10 in a home match Wednesday night.

Overall, the eighth-ranked Spartans sit at 9-2, including their unbeaten mark in region play.

Both teams were 3-0 in league competition going into the match. Northland Prep coach Corie Murphy said she expected a good challenging match as the No. 16 Elks have “big hitters.” The Spartans and the Elks were both coming off wins from the previous night.

With the home court advantage, the Spartans kicked off the match with high energy and a strong offense that kept them from ever dropping the lead in the first set. Junior Zillah Wildblood-Crawford closed out the set with a backrow attack that went off the opposing libero and into the ceiling. With the ball being called out, it gave the Spartans the first win. Wildblood-Crawford finished the day with 13 kills.

Despite the strong first set, the team had a slow start in the second, as they faced communication and defensive errors that led to balls being dropped on the court and missed passing opportunities. These mistakes put them briefly behind 2-0.

“Sometimes I tell them, but they usually look at each other like they already know and they’re communicating with each other,” Murphy said. “Those are frustrating to see as a coach, but also the kids know that it’s their responsibility."

Energy is a driving force for the Spartans. After a few points they joined in the middle of the court to discuss the play or would remind each other to go all out for every ball. Wildblood-Crawford said that the difference in energy and dwelling on mistakes can be a determining factor in whether a team wins or loses.

“I think that’s what kind of sets us apart. When we’re down we try our best not to be mad at each other, and still work as a team and stay excited about every single point,” she said. “[Murphy] lets us know that we’ve got it no matter what and when we make a mistake, that it is okay, it’s a game. There will be mistakes, and we just have to move on to the next point.”

Murphy said she talks to the team in between sets about improving every point and every set they play. She encourages the girls to continue to talk to one another, be energetic and to use the serve to their advantage. In the final set, Wildblood-Crawford did just that. She went on a seven-serve run and gained the team a 10-point lead, 17-7, that led to a Round Valley timeout. Northland Prep finished the match strong from there.

The Spartans will now face the Hopi Bruins in another home conference match on Tuesday.