By Don Ketchum

It happened in an instant, almost before anyone realized what was going on.

Two Phoenix Sunnyslope volleyball players were lying on the floor, dazed after knocking heads while diving for a low-trajectory shot.

But freshman libero Sarah Marinez and senior middle blocker Jill Woods survived in the first game of Wednesday night’s (Sept. 5) match at Phoenix Arcadia.

Their teammates survived, too, coming through with their first win after five-game losses to Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor and Cave Creek Cactus Shadows to begin the season.

Sunnyslope knocked Arcadia from the unbeaten ranks by winning three straight, 25-20, 25-15 and 25-22.

It had much the same atmosphere as last year’s Division II state title match between the two, in which Sunnyslope won by similar scores of 28-26, 25-20 and 25-21.

The gymnasium nearly was full in the main seating area, with dueling student cheering sections.

By the time Sunnyslope had the third game under control, its fans began to chant, “This is our house!’’

“From the first game to the second game and into the third game, you could see us grow,’’ said Sunnyslope coach Amber LeTarte, whose program also won titles in the old Class 4A Division I in 2008, 2009 and 2010. “The third game, we were playing like we were capable of, putting our skills into play.

“Arcadia was ranked No. 1 (in the preseason by The Arizona Republic) and we knew we would have to play 100 percent, play our very, very best on their home floor.’’

LeTarte admitted she was concerned about her players after the collision, “because of all the concussion stuff that has been going around. I told the officials that they would sit it out if necessary, but it didn’t come to that.’’

In the third game, Arcadia (4-1) rallied from an early 6-1 deficit to lead 13-12, but that was the only time the Titans were ahead in that contest.

Marinez, Woods, Jenny Thompson, Allison Spencer, Skylar Wine and Brooke LeTarte all played well for Sunnyslope, ranked third in the preseason.

Arcadia’s approach was slowed by the illness (strep throat) of 6-foot-2 senior captain Izzy Miller.

“Izzy spreads the court, and we couldn’t get into our rhythm,’’ said Arcadia coach Josh Olshan.

“We are not a finished product. We are a work in progress. This wasn’t a state-tournament match. It was a checkpoint for us, and we are going to get better.’’