Travis Whittaker
ASU Student Journalist

Highland looks to move on after rough start to season

September 11, 2018 by Travis Whittaker, Arizona State University


Kennedy Williams (13) jumps to hit the ball over the net in a match against Horizon. (Photo by Travis David V Whittaker/AZPreps365)

Jordan Neal gathered his Highland girls volleyball team after losing its third straight match last week. The Highland coach wanted to talk before things spiraled out of control.

“We lose to Corona [del Sol and we] and sat down that next morning and I said, 'Hey we have to make some changes in our culture,’'' said Neal.

“We had some things that were distracting us from being successful. Confidence is a big part of it. Positive self-talk is a big part of it. Selflessness is another big piece.”

The talk resulted in a sweep of Skyline and an encouraging weekend 5-3 record at the House of Payne tournament.

Senior Kaelie Russell knows a positive attitude can make a difference.

“Just cheering as hard as we can for every single point good or bad just keep each other motivated,” said Russell. “Not getting down about every single point that we don’t get. There’s going to be points that we don’t get.”

Neal also said his squad needs to work on its passing.

“It’s a pretty simple skill but we aren’t doing it at a high level,” said Neal. “Definitely not high enough to win.”

Highland (2-3) is led by seniors Russell, Nicole Faust Hailey Semingson and Courtney Singleton.

Neal said their leadership and engagement trickles down the younger players.

One of them is junior Abby Peterson.

Peterson, who plays libero, has high expectations for herself.

“I want to get better as a libero because I want to play in college,” said Peterson, who is eyeing Utah State University.

“She made a play in that Corona [del Sol] match, dove full speed up against the wall as she was diving she ripped off most of the skin on her calf,” said Neal. “She plays harder than anybody that we have ever had.”

Neal told his squad after the Corona del Sol match it can right the ship for the remainder of the season. Highland has state aspirations in sight.

“We are trying to be a top eight program,” said Neal. “It’s going to be hard now with losses to Basha and the losses to Corona [del Sol] but I think we could still have a chance to get there.”

Highland hosts both Westview and Liberty this week.