Yaodong Gu
ASU Student Journalist

Padres sweep Washington

October 29, 2019 by Yaodong Gu, Arizona State University


The Marcos de Niza Padres volleyball team continued its excellent play with a sweep on Monday against the Washington Rams. (Photo: Yaodong Gu/AZPrep365.com)

Yaodong Gu is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza High School for AZPreps365.com.

After defeating Poston Butte and Saguaro last week, the Marcos de Niza Padres volleyball team puts its winning streak on the line Monday when they hosted the Washington Rams.

The Padres swept the Rams with little suspense, 25-7, 25-6, 25-13.

The Padres built a quick 7-0 lead en route to their 25-7 first set win.

After losing the first set, Rams head coach Shaundra Alexander-Stanley tried to help her team turn things around. She emphasized passing and made some adjustments to boost her team.

However, the Padres stood firm as spikes by Hailey White and Alynna Cruz destroyed the Rams' defense. 

Losing two sets quickly put much pressure on the Rams. In the last set, they tried their best to save the ball and defend the Padres’ spikes, but after several faults the Padres did not leave any chances for the Rams.

During this match,  the Padres gave many players the opportunity to play.

Melissa Yee, head coach of the Padres, said she increased the rotation because the Padres, who are ranked No. 18, will host the No. 6 Seton Catholic Sentinels at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“(That) is big match for us," Yee said, "and we are ready to go."

Senior Jasmin Jurado agreed.

"We did really great today," Jurado said.

“I think our game tonight was just purely for fun,” White said, “We came in just ready to work and have fun.”

Although the Rams lost a quick game, Alexander-Stanley said the Rams need to look forward.  “We can’t worry too much about the about the scores," she said. “We always make goals for each game and the biggest thing is they have to get their passes done. When they get the passes done, we can set it and we can hit it.”