MHS volleyball team redeems opening loss with straight-set victories (video)

By Adam Wolfe

After losing in straight sets on the road against Horizon Honors high School to start the season, the Maricopa High School Rams volleyball team has won two straight at home without dropping a set.

The Rams most recent win came Thursday night against Flowing Wells High School (Tucson) in straight sets. The game was close throughout, but the Rams were able to close out the Caballeros by a score of 25 to 23 in the first set, 25 to 19 in the second, and 25 to 23 in the third. The win improved the Rams to two wins and one loss on the season.

According to head coach Lashieka Holley, the effort and tenacity of seniors Elizabeth Gallon and Annalyn Concepcion are a driving force for the Rams.

On Monday, the Rams began their season at Horizona. The road trip to Phoenix was tough on the Rams, and they dropped straight sets to the Eagles. The young team came out timid, but was playing much better by the end of the game. The final score for the Eagles’ win was 25-3, 25-12, 25-23.

The Rams were given a chance to redeem themselves right away as they took on Kofa High School (Yuma) at home the next night. Maricopa came out much more aggressive than they had the night before and controlled the match from the start. They beat Kofa in straight sets by scores of 25-10, 25-23 and 25-19.

The team’s offense shined against Kofa. As expected, Gallon led the team with 10 kills and seven blocks. Freshman MacKenzie Ford also had a great game with eight kills and two aces.

On defense, senior Annalyn Concepcion took charge with four digs. She also added five aces to her balanced performance. Junior Morgan Peters distributed the ball well and ended the night with 14 assists.

After the game, coach Holley said, “The team did great tonight. Seniors Elizabeth Gallon and Annalyn Concepcion were the standouts amongst the group, although it really was a team win.”

The Rams next match will be at home against Catalina Magnet High School (Tucson) on Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. Then they’ll have the chance to prove they can win on the road as they travel to Cholla High Magnet School (Tucson) on Sept. 10.