Thatcher 2-0 in Valley rivalry

By Brian Wright
Sports Editor
Published on Sunday, October 18, 2009 10:21 AM MST

Safford accomplished more during its home match against Thatcher on Thursday than it did in the first meeting of the season, but the Eagles still refused to lose.

The energized home crowd on Norma Bellamy Court fueled a strong start for the Bulldogs. Safford played with an authority and confidence it lacked when the teams met in Thatcher.

But Thatcher still had too much and left with a 3-1 victory.

Senior Chelcy Motes of Thatcher, middle, goes for a spike while Addy Lines, left, and Shaysea Alba of Safford defend on the other side of the net. The match was all even after two sets, but Thatcher prevailed in four. Photo by Brian Wright

Despite the match loss, Safford did what no other team has done to Thatcher in the regular season — win a set.

“They were a better hitting team and a better passing team (tonight) than the last time we played them,” Thatcher coach Krista Brown said of Safford.

The Eagles had five players who were under the weather in the match, but it wasn’t about to keep them from battling Safford.

Two games into the 2009 rivalry, Thatcher has a 2-0 edge. The teams meet one more time Oct. 28 in Thatcher.

Brown was pleased with the way senior middle Chelcy Motes varied her attacks against the Bulldogs.

“She had a smart net game,” Brown said of Motes. She didn’t always go up there and hit it as hard as she could. She put the ball where it needed to be on the court.”

Brown also said senior Salena Scroggins made key blocks when Thatcher needed them.

The Eagles trailed late in the first set but pulled together a late run to win 25-23.

Safford showed its grit with a 25-21 win in the second set, led by strong play from senior Shaysea Alba at the net.

However, the Bull-dogs fell apart in the third set (25-8) and Thatcher held on to win the fourth set 25-20.

As for power rankings, the Eagles (13-0) climbed to No. 2 in the 2A standings, and Safford (11-3) is in the No. 5 spot in Class 3A.

Print this story Email this story Post A Comment

Comments

12 comment(s)

sportsjunkie wrote on Oct 21, 2009 1:23 PM:

" Every team takes a turn at the top. This is Thatcher's time, let them enjoy it. A few years from now someone else may be on top. This is true for all sports. We all remember Ft. Thomas' years as the best boys basketball team in the area. When you are on top - win with honor. When you are not - show some class and work to return to the top. "

Give Me A Break wrote on Oct 21, 2009 12:04 PM:

" You volleyball ladies are nuts! "

Thatcher Fan cont. wrote on Oct 21, 2009 11:30 AM:

" Another point Coach Wards team has beaten Thatcher more times than Coach Browns team has beaten Safford over the past years so don't start comparing. As far as going to church you have no idea where I even go to church. Oh thats right I don't go to church because of hypocrites like you. Just give the kids credit for playing great volletball but not at the expense of tearing others down. I am for the Lady Eagles all the way. I also wish the Safford Bulldogs the best in their quest to win it all in 3A. "

Thatcher Fan wrote on Oct 21, 2009 11:21 AM:

" You said Safford could not touch Thatcher when they actually won one game sounds like they touched us alittle. We still play them one more time this year and I doudt that they can beat us but if they put it together and happen to win you will be eating alot of trash talking words. As far as judgeing your the one that started picking on some one when you downed Coach Ward. That's your opinion and I expressed mine about Coach Brown. Coach Ward is greatly responsible for the skills are girls have developed. She's a better Coach. "

to Inquiry wrote on Oct 21, 2009 8:50 AM:

" yes safford finished 2nd to basha at the millenium tournament.
and to "Missing the point".... To "talk-up" Coach Brown as a good coach is just wrong. Everyone in the area knows that the reason thatcher is a great team is because they have a great group of athletic kids. Not because they have a fantastic coach. and you are missing the point, because there is no point. nobody is doubting that thatcher isnt a great team or saying that safford is better. the head to head contests make it evident. we should be glad to just witness this matchup. "

To Thatcher Fan wrote on Oct 20, 2009 9:49 PM:

" What am I being cocky about? And what's up with Coach Ward's little finger? Her ability isn't jiving with her hot head. Ward a better coach than you? She must hate the fact that she can't beat Coach Brown. And it sounds as if you do, too. You're a pretty critical Christian, picking on Coach B. You know that town is full cheaters. You go to church with some of them. "

Volleyball fan wrote on Oct 20, 2009 9:30 PM:

" Did anybody notice that coach Ward played her starters and bench players in the Thatcher/ Safford game but Coach Brown only played her starters....... Yes lots of people noticed.........
What does that tell you about these two coaches......Their actions speak loudly to this valley and their schools.
You go coach Ward! You have a awesome team both your starters and your bench players are outstanding. "

bulldog fan wrote on Oct 20, 2009 11:43 AM:

" some years it's THS some years it SHS enjoy the game and let them play! "

Max Preps Rankings wrote on Oct 20, 2009 10:48 AM:

" Thatcher is ranked #12. Basha #17. Safford #26.

maxpreps.com/rankings/volleyball/1/state/arizona.htm "

Missing the point wrote on Oct 19, 2009 7:33 PM:

" Safford may have won the Millenium tournament, but they just got crushed by Thatcher. Any talking-up of Safford is only downplayed by the fact that they CANNOT touch Thatcher. Thatcher is arguably in the top 6 teams in the state. They've only lost to 3 teams, and they were all 5A and 4A reigning state champs, two of them top 25 in the nation. Safford, as talented as they are, doesn't hold a candle to Thatcher right now. Coach Ward is being out-coached by Coach B. Frankly, this valley doesn't understand how talented Thatcher really is. "

inquiry wrote on Oct 19, 2009 12:33 PM:

" So did Safford finish 2nd behind Basha? "

Millennium Coach wrote on Oct 18, 2009 9:17 PM:

" Safford did awesome at the Millennium Volleyball tournament this weekend. They lost a very close match to 5A team, Basha. The Player of the Tournament was Bea Villalba from Safford. Very impressed with Coach Ward's team, they track down everyball and can put down a lot of themselves. "

WRITE A COMMENT

READER COMMENTS
* Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.

* Be relevant. Keep your comments pertinent to the story that is being discussed.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All reader comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Eastern Arizona Courier is not liable for messages from third parties. IP addresses can be subpoenaed and your identity established by individuals who have been hurt by your comments.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity: You can be prosecuted for identity theft.
* Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in www.eacourier.com reader comments represent the individual's own views and not those of the Eastern Arizona Courier. The Courier does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than Eastern Arizona Courier spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!