It was a big night for Phoenix Sunnyslope's seniors Madi Howard, Emma Carlton, Miranda Bacon and Lexi Robinson, who were honored in their last high school career home game.  

The seniors responded by leading their team to a 25-14, 25-7, 25-11 victory over Glendale Apollo. 

“Being it was the last night for them, in terms of a regular season match at home, it was some extra motivation for them to perform and play well” assistant coach Brandon LeTarte said. “I think that rubs off on the other athletes as well.”

The senior showcased their talents. 

Bacon led the team with four blocks and four kills, Howard and Robinson each had a team-high four aces and Carlton finished strong with two kills and one block. 

“It was fun just to kind of let them play tonight and let them play all the way around,” head coach Amber LeTarte said. 

LeTarte switched the lineup during each game, allowing every player to get their reps and prepare for next week's playoffs. Sunnyslope (23-15 overall) wrapped up its regular season undefeated in the Metro Section with a 9-0 record. 

“Senior Night is a special, and they get to start, but its not their night for them to play the entire time, so I did want to get every one in tonight,” LeTarte said. 

Apollo (5-15 overall) finished its final game of the season with high hopes for next season, knowing it is losing only one senior. 

“I told them go out there and have fun," Apollo coach Chelsea Chitwood said. "It's your last match of the season, so show me what you got. It’ll be pretty much the same team over again and hopefully the skills will set in.”

LeTarte is expecting her players to keep their high intensity, confidence and aggressiveness in practice moving forward, because there are playoff teams who are a lot faster and have more tools, she said. 

“I think we can do it if we’re all on," LeTarte said. "If were all working hard and together there’s no reason why we can’t win.”  

Sunnyslope will likely host a first round playoff game next Wednesday. The state bracket will be released Sunday at 11 a.m. during the azpreps365.com's bracket show.