Daijah White is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Shadow Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com

The Shadow Mountain Matadors swept the Washington Rams in three sets on Wednesday to close out their season and coach Dane Downs’ career.

The Matadors topped the Rams 25-13, 25-12 and 25-13 and ended their season 3-7 in the 4A Skyline Region and 11-12 overall. The game was special not only because of the win but also because it was the Matadors’ senior night.

The Rams and Matadors exchanged leads at the beginning of the first set. Downs said the team was emotional at the beginning of the game, which caused some mistakes that allowed the Rams to stay competitive.

“It's a team that we would normally beat a lot more,” Downs said. “but they were playing through tears and they were emotional about it, but I was happy with how they recovered.”

Sophomore Zia Brooks recorded the first ace of the game to give the Matadors an 8-4 lead, but the Rams closed the gap after a serving error by the Matadors and tied the set 8-8. Sophomore Lilly Connors recorded two consecutive aces and the Matadors led 11-8 until the Rams ended the run. The Rams scored a few more points, but the Matadors held them to 13 points and took the rest of the set.

In the second set, the teams exchanged points again until the Matadors went on a seven-point run to lead 17-6. The Rams ended the run but could not do much to come back. Brooks recorded another ace in the set, and the Matadors extended their lead to 19-10. The Rams scored only two more points in the set, and the Matadors closed it out 25-12 with an ace from Brooks.

The Matadors served to open the third set, but the serve was short, and the Rams took a 4-0 lead. Senior Zoey Miller served and led the Matadors to a 10-2 lead, but they had a net violation that ended this run. The Matadors maintained their momentum and held the Rams to 13 points in the final set.

Downs said some players who stood out were Elle McCarville for her efforts across the court. Senior captain Ari Marchelli stepped up and played out of position in place of an injured player, and Downs expected nothing less. He described Brooks as the impact player of the year.

“Senior night is always special, but this group made it extra special,” Downs said.

The group of four seniors had been together since Downs arrived at the school three years ago. He said it is the closest group of girls he has ever seen, including the underclassmen.

McCarville was emotional as she finished her last high school game. She was a major part of the team and the entire program, as she helped coach the freshman and junior varsity teams.

“It makes coaching easy when you have a bunch of kids that love each other,” Downs said. “They support each other whether they are on or off the court.”

McCarville said she had never felt so loved by every person in a program. She could not recall one issue the group had with each other during her time on the team.

“Connection and passion are the biggest thing in this sport,” McCarville said. “I think my passion for this sport was driven by my connection with this team.”

Marchelli said she felt like the win completed something.

“It felt like a good ending chapter,” Marchelli said.

Marchelli said the team had its ups and downs during the season. There were many injuries and hardships.

“But there is a lot of love on this team, and I don't think that's gonna go away no matter who's on the team,” Marchelli said.

Marchelli and McCarville both mentioned that the game closed out a chapter in Downs’ life as well. 

McCarville said there is a lot of love for Downs. For her, he is like a second father figure. Marchelli said knowing he won't be there next season is hard for the team, but she knows the love and bond won't change within the program.

When asked what the win meant to him, Downs said he knew many of the players did it for him, but the night and win were really about his players. He said that despite his departure, the Shadow Mountain program is on the rise and will continue to build on the last three years under his coaching.

A familiar face to the Matadors, assistant coach Gary Cloud, will take over the team next season.