Confidence coming into a volleyball match is one thing, but when it envelops a whole team within a match the energy seemingly vibrates and passes from player to player.

It seemed to be the case Thursday when Benjamin Franklin hosted Gilbert Classical in a key 3A match.

Ben Franklin had a recent run against 6A programs at the Higley Invitational and held its own with a 1-1-4 record and then swept region foes Gilbert Christian and San Tan Charter.

The Chargers, ranked fourth in 3A, were feeling good coming into the 3A East match against the third-ranked Spartans (13-8).

Then balls started finding the hardwood with high velocity. Ben Franklin hitters were rising up and swinging with abandon. Free and fast.

The confidence, quick start and the vibes flowing on the Chargers’ side of the net led to a three-set sweep, 25-10, 25-16 and 25-18.

A 14-3 run is where the energy rose higher than their outside hitters. It’s easy to use the wave of positivity in volleyball as the players on the court all come together when a point is scored and the bench has a specific routine when there’s ace.

It’s a huge positive share of confidence.

“Our energy was the real key,” junior middle blocker Jace Ensman said.. “We kept converting and it keep us hyped. It’s hard to describe really. You can feel it.”

Setter Brigg DeMarco was spreading the ball around, but it didn’t really matter who he was setting up for takeoff. The attack was going to be hard to return as the Chargers (15-4-4) were blasting their kills at the open areas or in a spot the Spartans had trouble receiving it cleanly.

“We can go to just about anyone, especially when we’re having a good stretch,” Ben Franklin coach Ashton Meeks said. “Some (matches) it doesn’t matter who is on the other side of net.”

In the first set Aaron Curtis led the way with four kills, while Ensman had three kills in the second and Christian Sorenson had three in the third. Overall, the Chargers had 31 kills in 51 attempts. Four players finished with five kills, and another had four.

“(The attacking) came out fast,” junior middle blocker Marshall Lee said. “We work a lot on hitting around blocks. When we’re playing good it doesn’t matter who they put at the net cause it is going down.”

Meeks said the team is starting to put it together in his first year as head coach.

“They are learning to play together, support each and they are there for each other day-in, day-out,” Meeks said. “Sometimes athletes can have a harder approach or mentality and it’s hard to share their feelings but that’s not the case here. They talk and they open to each other.”

The Spartans tried to respond and get the match going in their direction. They never had a lead until the third set and led 15-12 only to falter down the stretch.

“We were not ourselves and we let them take control and they never let us get back into it,” Gilbert Classical coach Alyssa Craig said. “One of the things we need to work on is realizing who is having an off night. We need to learn how to win matches when we’re not at our best. There’s always going to be someone who isn’t playing well on a given night. Mental toughness.”

Ben Franklin was playing at an optimal level. There wasn’t much Gilbert Classical could do to stop the struggles. The Chargers had that energy, vibe, and confidence what was not going to be stopped on this night.

“We’ve been playing really well, and we are getting ready to be in this thing for a long time.” Meeks said. “It’s my first year, and the kids are starting to believe. It’s a brotherhood.”

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