Grace Fuerte
ASU Student Journalist

Greenway is heading to another state final

November 9, 2016 by Grace Fuerte, Arizona State University


One of the state’s reigning state champs, No. 4 seed Greenway, is headed back to another final.

Greenway swept No. 8 Canyon del Oro, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, during a competitive 4A Conference state semifinal match at Marcos de Niza High School. Greenway will play No. 6 Salpointe, a 25-23, 25-7, 25-15 winner over Prescott Tuesday, in Wednesday’s 4A final at Mountain Pointe High School.

Greenway and Canyon del Oro fought hard Tuesday, but minor communication errors hurt Canyon del Oro. Some of the key players for Greenway were sophomore outside hitter Mykenna Nelson, senior middle blocker Morgan Cook, senior opposite hitter Rheanna Earley, and freshman middle Megan Mattingly.

“I feel great about (Tuesday),” Cook said. “We really came together as a team. It was all about teamwork. It wasn’t just about one person.”

Cook’s team has a lot of experience playing together, so they know how to work off of each other.

They entered the match with a 38-3 record and have every intention of taking home the state title for the second time in a row.

“Our strengths are rising above every excuse possible,” Cook said. “We always rise above and give 110 percent effort.”

Greenway has worked on their weaknesses all season so they don’t overcome their strengths.

One of its biggest strengths is its chemistry, according to coach Sarah Peterson. Another huge strength that helped carry them this far is their amazing offense.

“When our passing is on we are unstoppable,” Peterson said.

Peterson believes that playing and winning the state championship match last year will give them a leg up Wednesday.

“We were there last year and we have a lot of returners from this year who are just hungry for it,” Peterson said.

The only thing the coach believes they need to work on before the championship game is their blocking.

“I have no concerns whatsoever for the state championship game (Wednesday),” Cook said. "I think we’re strong enough and we’re ready for it.”

Salpointe has a couple of good hitters, including 6-foot freshman middle blocker Abby Russell.

Russel had eight kills Tuesday, when Salpointe’s outside hitter Alanna Duarte had 12 kills and senior outside Maggie Schepelmann chipped in with nine kills.

Salpointe (32-8) hit .383 during its semifinal match thanks to setter Peyton Lewis’ 31 assists.

Peterson plans on having a team day to prepare for the big match.

Her plans include relaxing and doing some activities as a team to mentally prepare.

“I’m excited for the experience of a state championship game and having fun with my team,” Nelson said. “Our energy is high and we love playing together.”