Volleyball: Sunnyslope shows depth in sweep of Notre Dame Prep

September 19, 2017 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Sunnyslope gathers around coach Amber LeTarte after their sweep of Notre Dame Prep. (AzPreps365 photo)

 

Sunnyslope girls volleyball coach Amber LeTarte knew she was minus one starter -- senior opposite Tyasia McGruder - heading into Tuesday night's 5A showdown with Notre Dame Prep. About 10 minutes prior to first serve she lost another -- senior outside Amanda Carlson -- hit hard in the side of the head by a ball during warm up.

It mattered little as Sunnyslope performed nicely for 2 3/4 of three sets in sweeping Notre Dame, 25-22, 25-23, 25-15 at Dan Mannix Gym at Sunnyslope High School.

"I was a bit concerned, but I've seen so far we have people who can fill in," LeTarte said. I was pleased the way we played, and the energy we brought. Amanda (second on the Vikings in kills) is a big part of our offense and crafty with her shots."

Sunnyslope improved to 5-1 for the season, notching its fifth consecutive victory after falling via sweep in its opener to Queen Creek. Notre Dame dropped to 5-2 and suffered its second loss in a row. The other loss was to last year's defending 5A champ, Centennial, in four sets.

Junior hitter Jazmyn Wheeler led Sunnyslope with 16 kills (11 in the last two sets). Senior Kayla Matthews added 10 kiills and junior Madi McGill had seven. Freshman libero Katie McCarthy paced the defense with 20 digs. Junior setter Macy Wilke had 26 assists and Blayke LeTarte chipped in eight along with two aces. Notre Dame's stat leaders unofficially were outside Sophie Sydenham and middle Nicole Shuhandler with 12 kills and 8 kills, respectively. Jessica Terlizzi checked in with seven kills.

Amber LeTarte credited a strong serving night for her team's success, as the Vikings committed just three service errors, offered a change of pace with their offerings and tried hard to stay away from Notre Dame's standout senior libero Sayler Butters.

The first set was the best played overall with neither team leading by more than four. Notre Dame led 22-19 after consecutive kills by Terlizzi. But Sunnyslope's attack was up to the challenge in a 6-0 finishing run. Two kills by Wheeler, one each by Gabi Swanton and Natalie Gotsis and and an ace by Blayke LeTarte helped close the set.

The second set was all Sunnyslope up until the 20-point mark (a 20-12 lead). Notre Dame battled back behind Shuhandler and Sydenham on the attack and three successive aces from Devin Douglas. Notre Dame had a chance to tie at it at 24 with serve, but Wheeler put one down to thwart the comeback. The third set had Notre Dame deflated as coach Sara Fox used both timeouts quickly  -- down 5-0 and then 12-2.  The only mystery at that point was the final score of the set.

Both school have one power-ranking match left this week before competing Friday and Saturday at the annual Tournament of Champions hosted by Westwood and three other East Valley schools. Notre Dame hosts Liberty on Thursday while Sunnyslope travels to Raymond Kellis.