Eagles sweep season series from Bulldogs

By Brian Wright
Sports Editor
Published on Sunday, November 1, 2009 1:49 PM MST

When the Gila Valley’s premier rivalry hit the volleyball court Sept. 29, it was a one-sided affair.

Things changed over the next two meetings, and the action was as competitive as many expected in the third meeting Wednesday.

However, Thatcher came away with all three wins after Wednesday’s 3-1 triumph.

Safford’s Shaysea Alba, left, connects on a hit while Rachel Orr of Thatcher attempts a block Wednesday at Thatcher High School. Photo by Brian Wright

The Eagles maintained a high level of play throughout the three-match series, and the Bulldogs improved a little more in each successive meeting.

The 3-1 final score didn’t tell the whole story because the match was very close to going to a fifth set. The Bulldogs had a set point at 24-23 in the fourth, but a service error opened the door for the Eagles to storm back and win 26-24.

“Their blocking was excellent tonight,” Thatcher coach Krista Brown said of Safford. “I think the new rotation they’re using is working really well.”

As for the Eagles, they protected their home court for the second time in the series and won crucial points (especially the end of the fourth set) when the match hung in the balance.

At times, Brown said her players rushed points and made mistakes they don’t normally make.

She said the key in pulling out the fourth set was that the Eagles calmed down at the end and took it one point at a time.

Safford coach Janene Ward really wanted to play five sets with Thatcher. She was disappointed it didn’t go the distance.

“I still feel like a lot of it has to do with the timing between our setters and our hitters,” Ward said. “The sets are good, but they’ve got to be more consistent in terms of location and height.”

The play of senior outside hitter Bea Villalba was a highlight for Safford. Villalba attacked the ball and put a lot of pressure on Thatcher with her strong presence at the net.

Safford (13-4) showed that its new, enthusiastic approach also has made it mentally stronger.

Earlier in the season, the Bulldogs would slump their shoulders if things weren’t going well, and things took a turn for the worse.

On Wednesday, Safford kept a positive attitude and fought back from deficits several times against the Eagles.

Ward wants to see that attitude continue through the state playoffs.

“Playing excited volleyball, playing emotional volleyball — I think that’s improved a lot,” she said.

“But they’ve got to do it more. It can’t just be me.”

Thatcher (17-0) has a fairly lengthy layoff until state, which starts Nov. 6. Brown said the layoff shouldn’t be a problem because the team holds highly competitive practices every day.

The Eagles will have the opportunity win a second straight state championship. They have been waiting all year for the chance.

“They know they have to work for it. It’s not just going to be handed to them,” Brown said.

Chandler Valley Christian (16-1), Phoenix Northwest Christian (15-2) and Phoenix Horizon Honors (14-2) are other top contenders for the 2A title.

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Comments

9 comment(s)

Roll Da Bones wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:52 PM:

" Well coach/coaches don't feel to bad...Thatcher couldn't get it done either. They had the best tallent they will probably ever have and what did they do? Second is not first and it doesn't matter if you loose in the first round or last.....you still didn't get it done. Maybe they should have been humbled a few times durring the season. Sometimes beating everyone you play causes the girls to think they are unbeatable??? Feel bad for the seniors on all the valley teams....lost of tallent and no state championship. Great season girls now look forward to basketball/soccer or possible college? "

Coach wrote on Nov 10, 2009 10:41 AM:

" I said I was A COACH, not THE COACH. As the old saying goes, when you are on top and everything is going the way the critics would like it to, you are the greatest coach. When anything goes against what someone thinks should be happening, the coach is the worst person. No one can take away the knowledge Coach Ward has or the skill the girls had. How you use those gifts is another story. Put blame where you want, you alway will. No sense defending ourselves. "

Roll D aBones wrote on Nov 9, 2009 7:00 PM:

" Well I couldn't agree more with SHS fan! To coach and the rest of the Safford coaches......I told you so! Didn't make it past the second round. Beat by a team you beat last year. Well I told you so. And to Safford fan.....People should be held accountable. When your the coach you should be able to take it. Yes everone armchair quarterbacks but when everyone is saying the same thing....there maybe something to it. "

SHS FAN wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:05 AM:

" The girls did what they could do, The coach should of left the original rotation from the beginning of the season there were to many changes and the girls didn't know who was playing what position or if they were playing at all. It's hard to play when you are mentally broken. So girls don't feel bad you did your best! With what was thrown at you all season. "

safford fan wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:14 PM:

" Hey Roll Da Bones~ grow up! Safford beat Thatcher last year! every team gets it's year! enjot the game and be done with it.... "

Roll Da Bones wrote on Nov 5, 2009 3:45 PM:

" Well Coach it has been obvious that the talent you started with isn't what it should be now. If it is because they are not fitting into your mold or if they have their minds somewhere else is only known to them. That being said the lack luster performance in regionals appeared to me to be all about THEIR lack of want. Maybe they are thinking about Basketball/Soccer season????? Volleyball will be done Friday...... "

Coach wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:14 AM:

" What? You're not blaming the coaches anymore?? Amazing. "

Roll Da Bones wrote on Nov 3, 2009 5:24 PM:

" Well, well not onlt is Safford not able to beat Thatcher this year but they also went and lost to Florence last week....? Florence may be well coached but they don't have near the tallent as Safford. What is going on?? I can't blame the coaches anymore....there comes a point in a season where the girls have to step up or step out. I don't see Safford getting through the second round of state this year. Sorry girls but you have lost your want for the game. Maybe your thinking about boys????? To bad, what a waste! "

. wrote on Nov 2, 2009 4:21 PM:

" Good luck at state Eagles! It's gonna be awesome! "

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