Brooke Patterson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover St. John Paul II Catholic High School for AZPreps365.com

St. John Paul II overcame an early deficit and relied on strong serving and a faster offense to sweep Highland Prep West, extending its winning streak to three matches as the postseason approaches.

The JP2 Lions (13-3, 7-1) defeated the  Hornets (8-10, 3-4) in straight sets, 25-13, 25-14 and 25-20, on Oct. 20 at Highland Prep West in Avondale. The matchup marked the second meeting this season between the 3A West Region opponents, with JP2 completing the season sweep.

Highland Prep West opened the first set with a 4-0 lead, capitalizing on JP2’s early mistakes. However, the Lions recovered from their slow start with a 12-point run that shifted the set in their favor. Sophomore setter Brooklyn Umbdenstock recorded six aces to help JP2 pull ahead. The Lions won the set 25-13.

Umbdenstock said the team’s response to its early struggles was one of the biggest positives from the match. 

“I really think that we were able to push through, even though we can dig ourselves a hole,” Umbdenstock said. “Especially the first set, it was a little rough, but we started to push through.”

The Lions carried that success into the second set, scoring the first six points. Junior outside hitter Gabrielle Gonzalez recorded five kills, while JP2’s serving continued to trouble the Hornets.

Highland Prep West juniors Malani Walker and Clara Muhammad contributed kills in the second set, but JP2 maintained its advantage. Umbdenstock and senior Magdaly Ortegaray added aces to help the Lions take the set 25-14.

JP2 coach Brianna Grabber noted her team’s offensive execution against an improved Highland Prep West defense.

“I definitely think this team [Highland Prep West] did a lot better blocking,” Grabber said. “But I think our girls did very well with serving and hitting the ball and being consistent.”

The Lions showed distinct growth on offense. JP2 assistant coach Alexis Nagy said the team was starting to execute plays they had worked on throughout the season.

“We were actually starting to run more plays, which was one of our goals in the previous game this season,” Nagy said. “So finally being able to run a little bit of a faster offense really played a part.”

Highland Prep West made a strong push in the third set, staying within reach as Muhammad contributed four kills. The final set was the closest of the match, with Highland Prep West holding JP2 to a five-point margin. However, JP2 maintained its advantage through consistent serving and hitting, securing a 25-20 victory to complete the sweep. 

The win came after JP2 defeated Highland Prep West in straight sets earlier this season, 25-12, 25-12 and 25-10 on Sept. 10. Umbdenstock said the Lions approached Tuesday’s rematch knowing they could not underestimate their opponent.

“I think coming into the game we were confident, but not overconfident,” Umbdenstock said.

She acknowledged Highland Prep West had improved since their last meeting and stressed the importance of maintaining JP2’s level of play.

JP2 entered the match ranked No. 18 in the 3A Conference. Tuesday’s victory moved the Lions to No.17 and put them in a strong position to compete for a postseason berth as the regular season winds down.

JP2 will look to build on its three-match winning streak and strengthen its postseason position when the Lions visit Tonopah Valley at 6 p.m. Thursday. The Lions will then close out their regular season against Yuma on Oct. 28.

Highland Prep West will look to end its five-match losing streak when the Hornets visit Chino Valley at 6 p.m. Thursday.