2A volleyball: Scottsdale Christian repeats with sweep of Glendale Prep

November 3, 2018 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Scottsdale Christian is all smiles after winning its 2nd consecutive 2A volleyball title defeating Glendale Prep. (AzPreps365 photo).

A second consecutive 2A title for top-seed Scottsdale Christian's volleyball team on Saturday was as dominating as the one last year.  Not a single set lost (12-0) and adding a little icing the Eagles didn't drop a set all season to any 2A foe.

The 2018 title victim was gritty #3 Glendale Prep, which lost to the Eagles 25-10, 25-23, 25-14 at Tempe High.

SCA finished the year 38-7 with all its losses to schools in 6A or 5A in Arizona and out of state. Glendale Prep (22-9) closed the season 22-9.

The only trouble Scottsdale Christian encountered in the match was in the second set as Glendale Prep threatened to even things at a set apiece. SCA never trailed in the set, but its 23-18 lead was challenged at 24-23 after an ace served by Glendale Prep's outstanding senior hitter Jessica Vargas. The Griffins fought off four set points before SCA notched a kill to go up rwo sets to none.

"We were out of system a lot (2nd set)," SCA coach Kim Ohlinger said. "We got out of the set and got back to what we do  pass and terminate."

Senior outside hitter Lauren Ohlinger posted 17 kills to lead the Eagles. Teammates Laylah Daniel, a freshman added 16 kills, junior Taylor Raiola chipped in with 11 kills. Emma Whitehead led the defense with nine digs and Ohlinger and Raiola served three aces each. Setter Lexi Lambert posted a season high for a match in assists with 48. Her previous high was 39.

Glendale Prep labored through tough matches in Friday night's quarterfinals and Saturday afternoon's semis. The Griffins went five sets in each match, beating Veritas and Thatcher, respectively.

"Those two matches didn't leave us with much in the tank," Glendale Prep coach Jennifer Roberge said. "A little more rest might have helped, but Scottsdale Christian is very good. Our girls came away with smiles. We're proud of everything we did this season."

Vargas led Glendale Prep on the attack unofficially with 13 kills. Sophomore outside Nerin Valasakos added six kills.