Memphis Coles is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Tempe Preparatory Academy for AZPreps365.com.

An exciting conference matchup is set to tip off Thursday, October 2, between the Tempe Prep Knights and the Veritas Prep Falcons. 

This is a 2A Valley Region matchup that will be important for both teams and their season aspirations. Veritas Prep is ranked No. 2  two in the region. Tempe Prep is ranked No. 3. Both teams look to keep their win streaks alive.

Coming into this game, Tempe Prep is 7-2 and ranked No. 12 in the 2A girls volleyball rankings. Tempe Prep enters the matchup hot, winning five-straight conference games. Most recently, it upset North Phoenix Prep in the Gladiators’ gym, handing them their second loss of the season and their first conference loss. 

On the Falcons’ side, their matchup with the Knights will be the third of three-straight games. 

“Our biggest focus is the mental reset from match to match, especially during Homecoming week and taking care of our schoolwork,” Veritas Prep coach Brooks Dockter said.

Veritas Prep has won four-straight games. It has consistently made quick work of opponents, sweeping all four of its latest wins.

Tempe Prep coach John Bundy and his team are up for the challenge.

“We’ve done a great job staying in games and not letting the score or set count dictate how we play,” Bundy said.

Tempe Prep’s play has backed up Bundy’s words. Earlier this year, the Knights stormed back after falling behind and losing the first set against ALA Anthem South, winning three-straight sets.

One player Tempe Prep will have to especially pay attention to is senior outside hitter Mary Hamann, who is putting up over four kills per set and notching a .355 hitting percentage this season.

Bundy said it will be hard to completely stop her attack.

“She's an incredible player, and we’re not going to shut her down,” Bundy said. “But we can work to slow her down by putting up our best block and trying to disrupt her rhythm.” 

Mary and her sister, Grace, form a dangerous attack for the Falcons.

“They’re gym rats and have put a ton of time into the game,” Dockter said. “We have a lot of confidence in their ability to score.”

The Falcons have also made position changes recently, leading to more success. Bella Espinosa, a former outside hitter, has been moved to a libero.

“Bella plays with a lot of confidence defensively, which has improved our game the last few matches,” Dockter said.

Espinosa leads the team in digs with 3.7 per set.

For the Knights, senior leader Abigail Baker looks to lead Tempe Prep on the court in this tough matchup.

“We have been working very hard in practice, focusing on discipline and consistency,” Baker said. “Even though it is Fall Break, us Lady Knights are still working hard in the gym.”

Baker said she is confident in the Knights’ defensive abilities.

“We are a very talented defensive team, and with enough focus, we can slow down Veritas,” Baker said.