Emilie Simpson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

 

Valley Christian High School’s girls volleyball team faced the Globe Tigers on September 24, securing a 3-0 victory with straight scores of 25-7, 25-10 and 25-5. This victory improved their unbeaten record to 7-0 in conference 3A. 

Senior setter Madison Brown-McAlpine led the team's offense, recording 15 assists within the first set. This continued throughout the game with Brown-McAlpine finishing the game with 32 assists. 

“I am very pleased with the results,” Coach Tyler Trathen said after the game. “Madison is one of my best players and she displayed that today.”

Sophomore middle blocker Sadie Wahlin aided the Trojans attack with the addition of 13 kills, while freshman Lila Limatta recorded nine kills, which were the two highest totals out of any contributing player.

“I love playing for this team,” Limatta said. “The seniors have been such great role models for me and the thought of them leaving breaks my heart, but I do think players like myself and the other younger players have the ability to set up and contribute hugely.”

Defensively, the Trojans conceded 22 points in the entire game. Junior Ellie Gregg recorded 13 digs across the three sets and Wahlin recorded seven total blocks.

“Defensively this season, we have been very strong,” Brown-McAlpine said. “We showed that today, and I thought we maintained our standards and were looking to keep pushing this as the season goes on. State Finals are where we want to be.”

In the second set, Valley Christian maintained control and showed off its impressive serving skills with 10 out of the total 17 aces across the three sets. 

Valley Christian’s bench also displayed its depth with the use of 12 out of 13 members of the roster. Four-time varsity outside hitter and member of the All-American watchlist, Kelsey Brooks, was sidelined due to a MCL/ACL tear from back in December.

The Trojans began the third set taking a quick lead with contributions from both starting players as well as bench players. The attack of the Trojans was demonstrated with Wahlin completing a 100% kill percentage as well as an average five kills per set. 

“The team dynamics are amazing,” Wahlin said. “I'm glad that I can contribute anyway I can, but I couldn't do it without my teammates.”

The game concluded as a straight-set win for the Trojans with the final statistics reflecting the teams performance: serving percentage of 93%, converted 17 aces and compiled 42 digs compared to Globe’s 18.

As the season progresses, Valley Christian will look to continue its unbeaten run.

“We have so much potential,” Wahlin said. “If we continue to show up and give 100%, I know we can achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.”