1A-3A State Finals Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The atmosphere was electric across the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum as the 2A and 3A volleyball state finals delivered a showcase of grit and off the chart skill as these teams fought to the last point. The 1A state finals did not disappoint either with a showdown that took place at Desert Mountain High School. From small-school powerhouses defending their legacies to rising programs making history, each match brought passion and an amazing final showcase of talent. With relentless rallies and emotional finishes, this year's finals captured everything that makes high school volleyball special. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We captured it all, read on to see who stood out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A: Valley Christian vs. Northwest Christian </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 3A, Northwest Christian and Valley Christian clashed in a thrilling three-set battle. The No. 2–ranked Crusaders entered familiar territory, making their third championship appearance since 2020. Valley Christian, the defending 2024 state champion, was also very familiar with the the big stage with four title-match trips in the past five years. It was a meeting of two volleyball dynasties—each fighting to add another chapter to its growing legacy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Match </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 1</strong> opened with a statement from Valley Christian as star middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='784641' first='Sadie' last='Wahlin']</strong> delivered a massive block followed by a kill, giving the Trojans an early surge of momentum. Northwest Christian responded quickly, anchored by standout libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792685' first='Brynn' last='Martin']</strong>, whose steady passing and defensive hustle kept the Crusaders in system. Senior setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874847' first='Tatum' last='Naber']</strong> pushed the tempo, but a brief lapse in momentum—including an overpass that <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807441' first='Sydney' last='Simon']</strong> hammered down—gave Valley a 7–5 edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NCS outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883019' first='Izabella' last='Bombinski']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822954' first='Cadence' last='Roberts']</strong> answered, with Roberts finding the floor on well-placed tips and Bombinski drilling line shots to tie things up. Valley setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='887201' first='Ansley' last='Venkatesh']</strong> made smart adjustments, helping the Trojans extend their lead to 13–10, while Wahlin's blocking presence remained a major factor. With Valley up 20–13, the set looked all but finished—until Bombinski caught fire with <em>three straight kills</em> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827219' first='Madison' last='Nedeljkovic']</strong> added a big block to close the gap to 20–17. But clutch swings from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='895335' first='Elyse' last='Wolf']</strong> and more dominant net play from Wahlin sealed the deal, giving Valley Christian the first set, <strong>25–19</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 2</strong> opened with nerves on both sides, marked by early service errors. NCS middle <strong>Lily Bliss</strong> sparked the Crusaders with a big block for a 5–3 lead, and Naber extended it with a well-timed setter dump to make it 6–4. Valley's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906141' first='Abby' last='Grier']</strong> responded with an ace to knot things at 6–6, setting the tone for a long stretch of one-point swings. Roberts continued to score for NCS, while sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906144' first='Kaelin' last='Walls']</strong> kept Valley aggressive with a middle attack to tie the set again at 12–12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A few communication miscues on serve receive allowed the Trojans to build a small cushion, but freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883019' first='Izabella' last='Bombinski']</strong> refused to let NCS fade—launching heavy back-row swings and flying around the court defensively. Her big strike pulled the Crusaders within 17–19, but Valley's confident offense—fueled by Venkatesh's decision-making and Wahlin's sharp slides and quicks—proved too steady. Add in stellar defense from all-star libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801626' first='Ellie' last='Gregg']</strong>, and the Trojans closed out the set, <strong>25–20</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In <strong>Set 3</strong>, Valley Christian's defense, led by Gregg, came out blazing. NCS continued attacking aggressively, but struggled to find open space against the Trojans' disciplined backcourt. The tough defense transitioned smoothly into offense, giving <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807441' first='Sydney' last='Simon']</strong> and Wahlin repeated opportunities to dominate at the net. Bombinski continued to battle—attacking from both the front and back row and showing remarkable grit—but Valley Christian's consistency ultimately prevailed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a final push, the Trojans secured the sweep and claimed the <strong>3A State Championship</strong>, punctuated by senior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801626' first='Ellie' last='Gregg']</strong>, who earned <strong>Match MVP</strong> honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2A: Scottsdale Christian vs North Valley Christian </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2A, fans were treated to a five-set thriller that kept the entire Veterans Memorial Coliseum on edge from start to finish. Top-seeded Scottsdale Christian entered the finals chasing their first title since 2020. After reaching the 2024 championship match but falling to three-time state champion Phoenix Country Day, the Eagles arrived determined and hungry for redemption.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side of the net stood North Valley Christian, a rising program making its first-ever state finals appearance. After debuting in the 2024 playoffs and stunning the No. 4 seed in the opening round, the Lions had already proven they were a team to watch in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With both squads undefeated entering the match, the stage was set for an absolute showdown—and the teams delivered exactly that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Match </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 1</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882728' first='Megan' last='Davidson']</strong> set the tone early with sharp defense and a fast tempo, keeping Scottsdale Christian competitive from the first whistle. Senior defensive specialist <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='840503' first='Kaylee' last='Howell']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827140' first='Lucy' last='Dickerson']</strong> anchored the serve receive, giving Davidson the platform to run a smart, balanced offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But NVCA answered with impressive offensive execution of their own. Opposite <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845348' first='Charis' last='Robinson']</strong> repeatedly found open space with savvy placement, while senior captain <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201903' first='Madison' last='Sherby']</strong> attacked high hands and tooled the block effectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Late in the set, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806073' first='Kaya' last='Olafson']</strong> sparked SCA with clutch defense and a sharp cross-court kill that pulled the Eagles within 18–20. However, NVCA's smart shot selection and disciplined ball control proved too much to overcome, and the Lions closed out the opening set <strong>25–19</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 2</strong> opened with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874855' first='Selah' last='Wadsworth']</strong> striking early, targeting the deep corners for the first points of the frame. Sophomore middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838667' first='Sophie' last='Weller']</strong> continued to be a force for Scottsdale Christian, shutting down NVCA's outsides and getting key touches that kept the Eagles' back row in rhythm. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806073' first='Kaya' last='Olafson']</strong>, determined to flip the script from Set 1, delivered a series of huge swings that pushed SCA ahead 7–5.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A short run of hitting errors, however, gave the Lions new life, and an ace from senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832197' first='Gabby' last='Rice']</strong> helped NVCA edge ahead 12–11. Wadsworth answered with a powerful kill to tie the set, while freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='891737' first='Lilly' last='Lach']</strong> made standout plays in right-back defense to extend SCA's momentum. <strong>Davison</strong> followed with an ace, and an out-of-rotation call on NVCA pushed the advantage further toward the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weller continued her dominant night at the net, sealing key blocks to extend the lead to 17–13. With NVCA struggling on serve receive, sophomore lefty opposite <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819909' first='Tilly' last='Gardner']</strong> hammered a shot down the line, helping Scottsdale Christian close out the set in commanding fashion, <strong>25–15</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In <strong>Set 3</strong>, Scottsdale Christian tried to keep the momentum rolling behind powerful swings from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806073' first='Kaya' last='Olafson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819909' first='Tilly' last='Gardner']</strong>, but NVCA's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='201903' first='Madison' last='Sherby']</strong> refused to let the Lions fall behind early. Her smart shot placement tightened the score to 3–4 before tough serves from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832197' first='Gabby' last='Rice']</strong> and stellar back-row play from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808979' first='Mackenzie' last='Benso']</strong> and Rice extended NVCA's lead to 8–3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845348' first='Charis' last='Robinson']</strong> continued to frustrate SCA's defense with precise corner shots and sharp line swings, keeping the Lions firmly in control at 13–6. Although <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838667' first='Sophie' last='Weller']</strong> showcased her versatility with a huge kill from the outside, NVCA consistently answered with well-placed attacks that SCA couldn't solve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holding a commanding 18–9 lead, NVCA middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822768' first='Braelynn' last='Johnson']</strong> delivered key blocks that shut down the Eagles' offense. The Lions maintained their rhythm and closed out the set <strong>25–19</strong>, taking a 2–1 lead in the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 4</strong> opened with nerves on full display as both teams traded early mistakes. Scottsdale Christian committed four straight unforced errors, while NVCA struggled in serve receive, bringing the score to a tense 5–5. That's when <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806073' first='Kaya' last='Olafson']</strong> took over. The junior outside hitter became SCA's spark, ripping cross-court swings that vaulted the Eagles to a 10–6 lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NVCA's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845348' first='Charis' last='Robinson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='822768' first='Braelynn' last='Johnson']</strong> countered with smart attacks that found open space, narrowing the deficit to 11–9. SCA continued to battle inconsistency in tip coverage, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832197' first='Gabby' last='Rice']</strong> capitalized with a mix of powerful swings and off-speed shots that kept the Eagles off balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinging to a 19–16 lead, SCA needed someone to deliver—and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874855' first='Selah' last='Wadsworth']</strong> rose to the moment. She fired off <em>three consecutive kills</em>, giving the Eagles the push they needed to secure Set 4. Scottsdale Christian closed it out <strong>25–18</strong>, sending the match to an all-deciding fifth set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 5</strong> opened with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882728' first='Megan' last='Davidson']</strong> absolutely on fire. Determined not to leave without a championship, she delivered back-to-back aces that ignited the Eagles and set the tone for the final push. NVCA tried to disrupt SCA's rhythm, but Davidson answered every challenge with steady defense, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827140' first='Lucy' last='Dickerson']</strong> stepped up with a clutch out-of-system assists that <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874855' first='Selah' last='Wadsworth']</strong> hammered home—just as she had all match long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles jumped to a 5–1 lead, but a brief stretch of hitting errors allowed the Lions to creep back in at 6–3. Still, SCA's veteran outsides—<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='806073' first='Kaya' last='Olafson']</strong> and <strong>Wadsworth</strong>—took control when it mattered most, delivering key swings and defensive plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With complete command down the stretch, Scottsdale Christian closed out the deciding set <strong>15–7</strong>, securing the <strong>2A State Championship</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A well-deserved <strong>MVP honor</strong> went to senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874855' first='Selah' last='Wadsworth']</strong>, whose leadership and fire powered the Eagles when it counted most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1A: Cicero Prep vs Great Hearts Anthem</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">History</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A four-set thriller in the smallest-school division delivered everything fans hoped for and more. <strong>Cicero Prep</strong>, aiming to further their status as a <em>three-time state champion</em>, entered the final as the No. 1 seed after dominating the 1A field all season. Their road to the championship, however, was far from easy—both their quarterfinal and semifinal matches stretched to four sets, testing their depth and resilience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across the net stood <strong>Anthem Prep</strong>, making its first finals appearance since 2020 and battling through one of the toughest playoff paths in the bracket. As the No. 6 seed, Anthem swept past No. 11 Salome in the opening round before pulling off back-to-back five-set upsets over No. 3 St. David in the quarterfinals and No. 2 North Phoenix Prep in the semis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With both teams grinding their way to the title stage, it was bound to be an exciting match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Match</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 1</strong> made it clear that <strong>Cicero Prep</strong> knew exactly how to handle the championship stage. Powerful swings from juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882808' first='Nicole' last='Damian']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882697' first='Kate' last='Harrigan']</strong> left little room for Anthem Prep's defense to respond. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804910' first='Brighton' last='Pillsbury']</strong> showed heart with a few clutch defensive plays and attacks, but the Centurions' dominance was undeniable as they closed the first set <strong>25–13</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In <strong>Set 2</strong>, the Eagles began to find their rhythm. Senior libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808942' first='Lily' last='Terpstra']</strong> kept her team alive with impressive back-row defense, while middle blocker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832376' first='Grace' last='Stilwell']</strong> executed smart shots to keep the scoreboard close. Despite Anthem's renewed energy, Cicero's juniors <strong>Layla Hrabe</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884170' first='Penelope' last='Burman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882697' first='Kate' last='Harrigan']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882808' first='Nicole' last='Damian']</strong> controlled the offense with smart placement and precision, sealing the set <strong>25–17</strong> and bringing the Centurions within one set of the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Set 3</strong> saw Anthem Prep seniors refuse to go quietly. Early swings and strong blocks from Stilwell and junior pin <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906312' first='Molly' last='McCabe']</strong> gave the Eagles a boost, forcing Cicero into a rare comeback position. Anthem captured the set <strong>25–23</strong>, showing they would not back down without a fight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But <strong>Set 4</strong> belonged to Cicero Prep. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882808' first='Nicole' last='Damian']</strong> orchestrating a near-perfect offense—finding the right hitters at the right time and showcasing why she's the 1A Player of the Year—the Centurions dominated from start to finish. Cicero Prep closed out the set and the match, completing a <strong>three-peat</strong> and claiming the <strong>2025 1A State Championship</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->