Sprints and a motivational speech.

That is all the South Mountain girls volleyball team needed to shift the momentum and beat Carl Hayden Community in four sets.

The Jaguars struggled mightily coming out of the gate as they dropped a tight first set to the Falcons 25-23, failing to hit the ball over the net for the first five points.

However, the second, third and fourth set were a different tale.

After the first set,coach Paula Spratlen-Mitchell took her team into the practice gymnasium.

This team needed a breather.

After a few moments, the team could be seen running sprints and receiving what seemed like an emotional speech from Spratlen-Mitchell.

Coming out of the huddle, Spratlen-Mitchell’s team took care of business, building a 14-7 lead and eventually winning the set 25-16.

“We made it more difficult that it was necessary to be but that’s not to take anything from Carl Hayden,” Spratlen-Mitchell said. “Carl Hayden has improved tremendously and they put up a good fight.”

What was said was ultimately the difference maker for the rest of the match.

“I said, 'Let’s get our feet moving, our mouths talking and our energy up,' ” South Mountain’s coach said. “Let’s own this match.”

The rest of the game was owned by the Jaguars as they took the third and fourth sets with ease 25-18 and 25-19,.

Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Dansby led the team in kills with 11. After the match, she admitted Spratlen-Mitchell’s speech lit a fire for a team whose flame seemed to be flickering.

“She said, ‘Get your act together, work hard, and try your best, and we can win this,’” Dansby said. “’Pick up your energy and keep your energy.’”

Freshman setter Yasmine Cannon added: “We don’t run very often but when we do, we know that it’s serious and we need to work hard.”

"She says to always work hard and always do your best. If you don’t you’re going to run and every intermission, we went into the gym and we ran. I think that portrayed on the court and we did what we needed to do.”

Cannon was a critical part in the team’s comeback victory with 16 assists. Although an underclassman, Cannon understands her role as the quarterback, or leader, of the team.

“I need to remember that everyone else is looking to me to run the court and if I’m in my feelings or in my head I can’t do that,” Cannon said. “Me knowing that I can’t be in my head just makes me calm down and regroup and make sure everyone else is calm and regrouped.”

The victory improved the Jaguars record to 3-11 and with the team destined to finish under .500, they are hoping this win gives them the confidence to finish their campaign strong. The squad still has high aspirations of making the playoffs.

“It kind of makes us know we can do it and we can win the rest of our games,” Cannon said. “We can play together as one and we can just ball out the rest of the season.”

Cannon and Co. will go up against Central Tuesday at 6 p.m.