Brooke Tyburski
ASU Student Journalist

Northwest Christian wins all 3 matches in first round of Nike tournament

October 4, 2019 by Brooke Tyburski, Arizona State University


The Crusaders' defense and success with upfront blocking played a significant role in all three wins Friday. (Photo: Brooke Tyburski/AZPreps365)

Brooke Tyburski is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Northwest Christian High School for AZPreps365.com.

 

The Northwest Christian girls volleyball team won all three matches on the first day of the 11th annual Nike Tournament of Champions Friday, placing first in its pool.

The team defeated opponents from American Fork, Poway, and Hilmar all by a score of 2-0 in what was a standout day for the Crusaders offense.

Northwest Christian dominated Poway, winning the first set 25-12. They got off to a fast start in the second set, scoring 13 consecutive points and winning 25-7.

They also defeated American Fork after going on runs near the end of both sets to win 25-18 and 25-21.

“We wanted to come out strong with our serve receive passing,” head coach Jenna Hope said. “On our part, we controlled our side of the net so well that we were able to handle whoever we played.”

The Crusaders’ toughest match of the day came against Hilmar, who they breezed past on the first set by a score of 25-12. The second set proved more challenging as the two teams swapped leads five times before Northwest Christian went on a run, scoring six consecutive points that Hilmar ultimately could not recover from. The Crusaders won the second set 25-18, cementing their perfect record for the day.

Junior setter Molly Kipp said the team had to keep focused and adjust to the hitting style and aggression of Hilmar in order to win.

“We saw they had a couple really good hitters,” Kipp said. “We had to figure out their weaknesses and differences in their defense as the game went on.”

Hope said the team’s scrappiness and persistence on offense allowed them to extend plays that would usually otherwise end with a point for the other team.

“We did the best of reacting to off-speed touches,” Hope said. “We were able to be aggressive on offense and always swing at those balls, even if they weren’t in the perfect spot.”

Junior outside hitter Reagan Hope said that defense also stepped up Friday, which has been a weakness in the past.

“Both of our middles did a great job,” Hope said. “They were getting up the whole time and held the block for us.”

The team’s attitude also contributed a great deal to their success on the court Friday, being able to spark enthusiasm and dig themselves out of ruts when they fell behind.

“It’s a lot of just putting their heart on the court,” Hope said. “Getting fired up, playing as a team, and showing a lot of excitement. I think when we’re quiet, things fall apart.

“Our libero, Abigail [Araujo]), who’s a freshman, was able to come in and dig some good balls. That got us excited and we were able to take that momentum and win.”

Another player who stood out for the Crusaders on Friday was freshman outside hitter Kierstyn Barton, who had 19 kills in three matches. Outside hitter Reagan Hope also impressed by recording 18 kills.

Kipp said that playing in this tournament proved to the Crusaders that even though they are in a smaller division, they are able to win against bigger teams that they don’t usually play.

With these wins, the Crusaders’ season record improved to 25-5.

The Crusaders will compete Saturday in the second round of the tournament, with their opponent for the first match to be determined.