QUEEN CREEK — The Salpointe Catholic Lancers capped off an undefeated season by beating Valley Christian, 4-1, Thursday night at Casteel High School.
It was an impressive playoff run for the Lancers, who only dropped two total games and avenging their semifinal loss to Mesquite in 2019, beating the fourth-seeded Wildcats.
The championship game capped a perfect 15-0 season.
“I’m just so elated because these girls worked so hard,” said head coach Heather Moore-Martin. “They put in a lot of hours and a lot of sweat. They spent time on the volleyball court when they could have done something else but all that time paid off.
The championship experience favored the Trojans, who made it to the championship before when they lost to Fountain Hills in 2018.
However, the Lancers knew what it took to be successful as most of the players on the team played the indoor volleyball season together where they captured the 4A title. That winning feeling and mentality helped them throughout the season and to get the title.
“They loved that 'winning the state championship' feeling,” Moore-Martin said. “It’s nothing like it for the girls. They love the dog piling moment. It’s a motivator and kind of pushes you through and makes you feel like I am champion from the fall and I can do that again.”
They did not to get that winning feeling in 2020 as the season was canceled due to the coronavirus. Salpointe players were left disappointed as they felt they had a special group last year as well.
“It was hard because we had a lot of good players and everything going for us,” said junior Emma Hugeback. “We picked up from where we left off and we knew what we needed to do.”
The Lancers came out determined early with their No. 5 pair of junior Leah Palomares and sophomore Gabrielle Monge won 21-9 and 21-12 to secure the match 2-0 and set point.
The No. 4 pair of Jalynn Ransom and Megan Muehlebach won 21-17 and 21-17, to give them the match and set point to give them the 2-0.
They only needed one more set point from their last three pairs, and they got that from their No. 2 pair, Hugeback and sophomore Rylen Bourguet that won close games 21-13 and 21-16.
“I said to myself I am going to win this match and going to win state,” said Hugeback. “Me and my partner were all-in since it was our final match and we won.”
They capped off their dominant win with a victory from their No. 3 pair sophomore Francesca Peroni and freshman Sophia Hernandez 21-16 and 21-17.
The only match they lost came from their seniors and the No.1 pair, Andrea Owens and Brandy Kishbaugh, who dropped both sets 15-21 and 20-22. Despite the loss, their impact was crucial throughout the season.
“They showed us that you have to put in that extra work to be the best you can be,” Moore-Martin said. “Also, they showed you got to be really dedicated to volleyball and willing to do what it takes to be the best. We will miss them next year.”
