Bella Kubiak-Reseigh is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Apollo High School for AZPreps365

SURPRISE — The Apollo Hawks girls volleyball team fell to West Point in straight sets  (25-15, 25-16, 25-22) at West Point on Tuesday night in the region opener for both teams.

The Hawks (4-8, 0-1) are still piecing things together, working with a young lineup and shifting through new roles. 

“Experience is just something you have to have in this game, and unfortunately, we’re not blessed with it,” Apollo coach Chris Biesbrouck  said. “We’re a young team, no club activity, so without those reps, it’s really hard to get the cohesiveness … but we’re working on it, and we’re getting better.”

West Point (2-8, 0-1) controlled the first two sets behind steady serving and strong front-row defense. Middle blocker Chaela Curry anchored the net with four blocks and three kills, while outside hitter Kiarah Harris added six kills and two aces.

“Credit to Apollo — they’re a scrappy team, and you’ve got to keep playing until the whistle is blown,” West Point coach Monique Jones said. “Our hitters were consistent and our captains — Sera Fernworn, Chelsea Harrell and Jada Toledo — really stepped up. It was a team win.”

Apollo stayed alive in the third set, pulling even several times behind the play of junior outside hitter Nevaeh Peoples, who finished with a team-high five kills and chipped in three digs.  

She said the Hawks’ fight came down to energy and persistence. 

“Just don’t give up,” Peoples said. “Keep looking at the ball. The more eye contact with the ball, the more likely you’re gonna pick it up. You’re tired, but you just gotta keep pushing.”

Senior middle Tianna Cliff added three blocks and two kills, while libero Gracie Gonzales finished with six digs for Apollo. 

For the Dragons, Harrell  directed the offense from her setter position with eight kills and a block while keeping her team's energy steady. 

There were definitely ups and downs,” Harrell said. “A lot of players got in their heads, but once we got that down, the team picked everybody back up. As captain, you’ve got to make sure everybody’s energy is up. If one person is down, then everybody’s down.”