Gilbert volleyball tops Xavier Prep

August 31, 2022 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Gilbert's Elli Walker (3) attacks the block of Xavier Prep's Finley Workman (13) an Elle McCreery (12) in Wednesday's match. (Azpreps365 photo)

Gilbert and Xavier Prep volleyball have played often over the years. Xavier has dominated in recent times, but that hasn't stopped Gilbert coach Joe Hesse from wanting to play Xavier.

Over the last 15 years prior to Wednesday night, Xavier had won 27 of 31 matches either in regular-season contests or invitationals. That included the last nine meetings dating back seven years ago. 

Gilbert put an end to that streak in front of its fans at the Jungle. The Tigers prevailed in four sets, 25-16, 25-10, 25-27, 25-19.

"It's good to get our rivalry going again," Hesse said. "We've had a lot of good matches with them, but hadn't beaten them in a while before tonight."

Gilbert improved to 2-0 as it returns to 6A after four seasons in 5A. Xavier dipped to 0-2. Xavier graduated a slew of veteran players/starters last year, so coach Lamar-Renee Bryant is looking to be patient - at least early.

Leading Gilbert on the attack in its first home match of the season were Raegan Richardson, Sydney Mahon and Cameron Bales. Richardson, a sophomore, posted 20 kills. Senior Mahon was next with 13 and soph Bales finished with 12. For the match Gilbert piled up 57 kills.

Topping Xavier on offense were Camila Cornejo-Farmer (7 kills), Ava Larkin (5 kills) and Elle McCreery (4 kills). On defense Mei Prieto paced the digs chart with 19 and Larkin added nine.

Gilbert plays its third match in as many days Thursday visiting Maricopa. The Tigers move on Friday and Saturday to compete in the House of Payne Invite at Chandler High. Xavier resumes regular-season play on Sept. 6 hosting Cesar Chavez.