Hala Abdallah is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Maryvale for AZPreps365.com

Maryvale defeated Trevor G. Browne for the first time in three years, earning a 3-0 victory Monday night in an emotionally charged match that marked the Panthers’ final home game for their seniors.

The Panthers (4-11) defeated the Bruins (3-12) with set scores of 25-18, 25-23 and 25-19, overcoming early deficits and late errors to secure the sweep.

Despite the straight-set result, Trevor Browne remained competitive throughout the match, particularly in the second set, which Maryvale won by just two points. For the Panthers, the long-awaited victory carried added significance on senior night.

“We have not beat them at the varsity team for the last three years,” Maryvale coach Ashley Bodden said. “So we really were really focused on winning. Our thing was, keep your foot on the gas, keep your foot on the gas, keep your foot on the gas.” 

Bodden emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity during difficult stretches and executing the fundamentals, including calling for the ball and getting off the net.

For senior outside hitter Viridiana Trejo Rios, the matchup was personal.

“Honestly, it was just because we've gone so many years playing them,” Rios said. “We've never actually beat them. So it was just like, I want to beat them this year. This is my year, and I want to be the one to beat them with my team.”

In the opening set, Amberlynn Chacon sparked a six-point run with an ace, paving the way for back-to-back kills by Rios. Trevor Browne responded to regain momentum, but Maryvale closed out the set with a five-point run capped by a kill from senior outside hitter Leslie Gibbons.

In the second set, the Bruins jumped to a 6-2 lead before the Panthers responded with six consecutive points. Rios led the run with a kill and four aces, while middle hitter Aniya Taylor added a block.

Trevor Browne's early advantage did little to derail Maryvale's push for the long-awaited victory. The Panthers' seniors continued to deliver, with Gibbons and setter Melissa Higuera helping to lead another four-point run. Higuera then sealed the set with an ace to give Maryvale a 2-0 lead in the match.

In the third and deciding set, service errors and errant attacks by the Panthers briefly raised the possibility of a fourth set. Maryvale responded with a five-point run, turning a 13-11 deficit into a 16-13 lead. Higuera finished the match with a kill, while the Bruins' Kaylene Payton was unable to keep the final ball in play.

“We worked together as a team," Taylor said. "We lost against them last time, so for senior night we had to come and kill it and win, and that’s what we did.” 

The loss marked Trevor Browne’s fourth consecutive defeat. The Bruins will look to bounce back Wednesday when they host Carl Hayden (4-12) at 6 p.m. In their previous meeting, Trevor Browne earned a five-set victory. 

Maryvale will also return to action on Wednesday at 6 p.m. against La Joya Community (6-10). The Panthers previously defeated La Joya in a five-set match at home on Oct. 13, winning 23-25, 12-25, 25-15, 25-21 and 15-7.