Maricopa volleyball team perseveres for 3-2 victory over Tempe McClintock

The Maricopa High School volleyball team’s first win of the season was a test of endurance.

In a back-and-forth marathon Tuesday night against visiting Tempe McClintock that went the full five games, the Rams defeated the Chargers in the decisive fifth contest, 15-11.

“These girls played with amazing heart and determination,” Maricopa coach Julia Jefferson said about her team’s 3-2 victory in the non-region match. “They never gave up or got down on themselves. The team as a whole played very well together. Our offensive side and defensive side of the ball all clicked. I am very proud of my girls.”

After McClintock (1-3) posted a 25-16 win in the first game, the Rams (1-2) worked overtime to prevail 28-26 in the second contest and 26-24 in the third. The Chargers evened the match by taking the fourth game 25-18. The Rams then won Game 5 to clinch the match.

Senior outside hitter Beth Liddell led Maricopa with 13 kills and added three blocks.

Junior outside hitter Julia Dickerson finished with six kills and one block for the Rams, who also got five kills and four blocks from senior middle blocker Ruby Lizarraya along with two kills and three blocks from junior right-side hitter Cori Teller.

Additionally for Maricopa, junior setter Pua Maetale contributed 29 assists while junior libero Madalina Cutajar finished with 25 digs and five kills.

The Rams begin their Class 4A-II East Sky Region schedule with road matches at Gilbert Higley on Wednesday and at Scottsdale Coronado on Thursday.

Photo by Tom Kessler