Tucson Sahuaro, Tucson Rincon/University, Tucson High and Vail Cienega went 3-0 during pool play to set up an epic playoff on Saturday at the TUSD Girl's Volleyball Tournament held at Tucson Pueblo High School.

Sahuaro came out on top after defeating Cienega (27-25, 20-25, 15-12) in the semifinal round and Rincon (25-23, 25-17) in the championship match.  The championship was the second in a row for the Cougars.

Junior middle Brielle Sterns came up big in the first set against Rincon with nine kills including the last three of the set. Sterns added two more scores in the second set and hit the game-winner to solidify her position as one of the best in the tournament.

A championship hurdler, Sterns is finding it increasingly more difficult to train for both sports due to her increased level of play but she is finding ways to make it work. 

"I have to work on both because I haven't decided on college yet," Sterns explained. "I might find a situation where I can do both."

But, at the moment, her volleyball teammates are taking priority and she likes what she sees.

"We all get along so great," she added. "I expected us to do well because we are an extremely talented group."

All three Nash sisters got in on the action for Sahuaro with Abi and Madi picking up six kills each and Morgan delivering on 23 assists.

Sophomore hitter Reilly Salkowski, senior libero Rachel Dveirin and junior outside Victoria Corona helped Rincon keep pace, especially during their 2-1 (25-19, 21-25, 15-9) victory over Tucson in the other semifinal match.

Tucson went on to defeat Cienega in the third place match 2-1 (27-25, 20-25, 15-13).  Badger standout Mia Sokolowski came up big in the final set when the Badgers found themselves down 13-12. Sokolowski led the 3-0 run to finish the match out.

Oro Valley Canyon del Oro defeated Nogales to win the Silver Bracket championship and Tucson Sunnyside took care of Tucson Santa Rita to claim third place.

The Flowing Wells Invitational and the St. Augustine Wolfpack Invitational are taking place next Friday and Saturday.

GOLD BRACKET

1. Sahuaro (6-0)

2. Rincon (5-1)

3. Tucson (5-1)

4. Cienega (4-2)

5. Pueblo (4-2)

6. Tucson Desert Christian (3-3)

7. Sierra Vista Buena (3-3)

8. Tucson Sabino (1-5)

 

SIVER BRACKET

1. CDO (4-2)

2. Nogales (3-3)

3. Sunnyside (3-3)

4. Tucson Santa Rita (2-4)

5. Tucson Palo Verde (2-4)

6. Tucson Catalina (1-5)

7. Tucson Cholla (1-5)

8. Tucson Amphi (1-5)