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

CHANDLER — Things looked bleak in the fifth set for two-time defending 3A state champion Valley Christian.

In a heavyweight showdown, the fourth-ranked Trojans let a lead slip away in the fourth set with a chance to win the match against No. 3 Payson, and found themselves with their backs against the wall in the deciding set 

Payson was at match point, leading Valley Christian 14-12, needing just one more point to make a statement on the road.

However, as Fox Sports broadcaster Joe Davis said after the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2025 World Series, “To beat the champ, you got to knock ‘em out.”

And much like the Dodgers, the Trojans stood tall.

The game was full of twists and turns, but Valley Christian showed championship-level poise. The Trojans overcame adversity to defeat Payson 25-13, 20-25, 25-20, 25-27, 18-16 in a game that saw senior middle hitter Sadie Wahlin record her 1,000th career kill.

“It’s always a good learning experience to have to overcome some adversity,” senior setter Ansley Venkatesh said. “I think it was a really good game for us to grow and a really good game for us to build trust as a team.”

Valley Christian (21-6, 1-0 Metro Mountain Region) trailed 8-4 in the final set, and had to save three match points.

“I think it came down to our team putting our eyes on God and focusing on the trust that we build with each other,” Venkatesh said.

Trojans head coach Tyler Trathen said sticking to the game plan and believing in each other was the key to staying composed.

On the other side, Payson head coach Arnold Stonebrink complimented Valley Christian’s persistence.

“They didn’t hang their heads and give up,” Stonebrink said. “They stayed with their offense and did their best to stay in system, which they did. And that’s the sign of a champion.”

Not only did Valley Christian pick up a top five win, but its star player reached a massive milestone.

Early in the first set, Wahlin earned her 1,000th career kill.

“(I’m) super proud of her,” Trathen said. “She worked really hard to get that achievement, it takes a lot to get to that milestone.”

Venkatesh shared the same message as her coach, pointing out how her connection with Wahlin has grown during their time playing together.

“Just overall, an amazing player to play with, a lot of fun,” Venkatesh said. “I love setting her, (it’s) always a good time playing with Sadie. Really hardworking girl.”

Wahlin is the reigning 3A Conference Player of the Year, and earned All-Conference First Team honors the two prior years.

Before the Trojans’ fifth-set rally, it appeared the match wouldn’t even make it that far.

Valley Christian won two of the first three sets, and led the fourth set 11-6.

However, Payson (36-5-2, 1-1) fought back.

The Longhorns managed to tie the set before saving two match points and ultimately forcing the deciding set.

Despite the loss, Stonebrink said he’s proud of the way his team fought against the reigning champions, and said he thinks there’s a good chance they face the Trojans again in the playoffs.

Not only did these two teams have to face each other, but they each have to face a gauntlet in the Metro Mountain Region, which includes six top-10 3A teams.

Trathen said he likes the challenge of extra competition.

“I would take this over any other region just because it’s always competitive,” Trathen said. “It makes the games tougher, but it means that we get to always compete and get ready for playoffs.”