Courtney Brown is an NAU School of Communication student assigned to cover Northland Preparatory Academy volleyball for AZPreps365.com

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Northland Prep volleyball secured a 3-0 sweep against the Many Farms Lobos, nearing the close of the regular season.

Coming out of a tough loss against Scottsdale Christian Academy, Northland Prep, ranked 35th in their conference, had confident odds going into the region match against the 52nd-ranked Lobos. 

In the end, mental determination carried the team to a 3-0 win.

The game was played under odd circumstances for the Spartans, as the match was rescheduled to Monday night, meaning the team hadn’t practiced for 5 days prior.

The Spartans have also been working through some adjustments this year, with a new head coach and a largely new varsity lineup, making the team's synergy on the court even more impressive.

“We try to mix it up a lot in practice so that they're working with different teammates, they’re getting to know each other, and it really does help improve communication on the court as well as off the court,” head coach Mac Barnes said.

The team faced point deficits of 8 and 6 starting off the first and third sets, only to come back and win them 25-20 and 25-14. Drive, communication, and an 8-point serving streak from Anna Lipsey offered them a path to the lead.

Barnes is focused on mental development this season, having the girls literally shake off the negatives and play as a team, even when scoring slows.

“We can take a timeout and just shake it off,” Barnes said. “Remind them what the goal and purpose is for each set; that helps refocus.”

Front-row player Sage Garrett showed out in with 8 kills while taking on a new position as outside hitter.

Garrett has spent the majority of the season playing as a middle blocker, but switched to outside over the last few games, in hopes of expanding her skill set for the future.

“She’s one of my kids I’ve had before, and I know that she has goals to play in college,” Barnes said. “We’re trying to get her some reps on the outside to make her a more well-rounded player and hitter, and to give her some passing opportunities as well.”

The team's focus is now set on the upcoming conference tournament, which commences later this week.

Last year, Northland Prep defeated Gilbert Classical Academy in the play-in match to secure a spot in the tournament, but lost in the first round to Trivium Prep.

Going into the conference tournament, Barnes' biggest hope for the team is for the girls to focus on playing for themselves and one another.

“I really want them to remember their love for the game and why they play volleyball,” Barnes said.

The Spartans will host a freedom match against the Round Valley Elks on Oct. 27 for extra play before the tournament.

Their play-in match is set for Oct. 29; the opponent will be determined later in the week.