Reese Chell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunrise Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com

PEORIA – The Mustangs capped off an emotional Senior Night with a dominant 9-0 win against Centennial Monday night. 

“I think that leadership is important,” head coach Missy Carter said. “You know, we just practice the right things in practice, so they can apply them to the matches.”

The seniors were the highlight of the night, both on and off the court. The night began with emotional speeches from Carter and Sunrise Mountain players. The festivities seemed only to ignite the Mustangs as they came in hot for the single flights. 

In the single flights No. 1 match, senior Norah Brooks showed her dominance on the court, winning 21-10 and 21-13 against Vittoria Geisen. Her technical skill and footwork were impressive to watch. Even when the shuttle was about to drop, she managed to keep it in play. 

Senior Violet Eisentraut also had an amazing night. In single flight No. 2, she went 21-13 and 21-8 against junior Ihuoma Nwazue. Her composure in the court is what sets her apart. She had surgery on her shoulder in the offseason and didn't know if she would be able to play this season, but she managed a great recovery and has never looked better. 

After a 6-0 sweep in the singles flights, it was time for the doubles.

The No. 1 duo for the Mustangs is Eisentraut and junior Alicia Brittle. The new doubles pair has found success this year, including a victory tonight, 21-15, 21-14. 

“I've grown so close to her these past three weeks,” Eisentraut said. “We've really grown, and just playing with her shows me the type of character she is and how great a person she is.”

The senior double partners, Brooks and Autumn Schmid, were the closest match of the night. The Mustangs came out and struck first with a 21-17 win. Second time around, senior Ava Nucilaj and senior Sophia Loveless of Centennial went into the break with an 11-9 lead. After a meeting with coaches, the Mustangs began their comeback. They traded set-points, but Brooks had the last laugh with the final score of 24-22. 

One of the cornerstones of this program is the relationship between players.

Through the match, the Mustangs were hyping each other up from the sidelines. Whether it was a close match or not, the players kept cheering on their teammates.

“I mean, you see it on the court," Brooks said. "Me and my doubles partner, Autumn, were laughing and smiling the whole time. Even though it's a close game, we're still having fun.” 

Carter said she was proud of the team's seniors.

“They bring leadership, fun and experience," Carter said. "Big losses for next year, for sure.”

When asked if they had to describe the team in a few words, Eisentraut said, “supportive, friendship and competition.” While Brooks said, “joyful.”

Sunrise Mountain hit the road for its last two games of the season. The Mustangs beat Willow Canyon 8-1 on Oct. 7, and will close the regular season Oct. 14 at Ironwood.