With only two matches left in the regular season, the Phoenix Christian Cougars volleyball team is right on the bubble looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

The Cougars snapped a four-game losing streak Thursday night in a 3-0 win against the Tempe Preparatory Knights.

“It feels good. We had to tighten some things and switch where the starters play,” said head coach Amanda Lopez.

This was the second match of the season between the two schools and the second sweep by the Cougars, who improved to 16-17 and, more importantly, 4-4 in conference play. 

A hot start propelled Phoenix Christian to a quick 10-3 lead in the first set. It appeared that Tempe Prep was making a comeback, but Phoenix Christian never let them get back in the set, closing it out 25-14.

“We definitely played hard and worked together,” said senior MeiLing Milgrim.

The second set was controlled by the Cougars, who led virtually the entire way. The Knights had all the support from a loud student section, but they could only manage to get the score within four points before losing the set 25-20.

Serving played an important role in the whole match for the Cougars, but especially in the third set. In this set the Cougars once again jumped out to a 10-3 lead and put their foot on the gas after that. The serving of Cassidy Clifford and Atlantis Jamerson clinched the set 25-11.

In Wednesday’s practice, each player on Phoenix Christian had to successfully make 100 serves as part of a fundraiser. The practice paid off and was noticeable for Jamerson, who had six aces on 21 serves.

“Serving is such a mental game, and the 100 serves made us focus more on something we have always had to do,” said Jamerson.

Jamerson not only served well, but also led the game in kills with 11.

Since the start of the season, communication and togetherness has been a key focus for Lopez, and it has improved greatly in the last few weeks.

“It is like night and day,” said captain Ainsley Ebert. “Just the mindset we have is a lot more confident now.”

The Cougars' final two games are against the Leading Edge Academy Spartans at home on Tuesday and then away at the Antelope Rams on Thursday. The Cougars have played the Spartans twice this season and dropped both sets.

To improve on the two prior losses, Lopez said, “I am going to put pressure on the starting seven by forcing them to play the whole time and we need to pick up the intensity in practice.” 

These games are must wins for a team that is currently sitting in the final playoff spot at No. 24 in the rankings. Making the playoffs has been the goal all season for Phoenix Christian.