The Phoenix Christian Cougars took on the Thatcher Eagles in the second round of the 2A Volleyball State Playoffs at North High School on Friday afternoon, falling 3-0 to end their season.

A regular-season record of 18-17 had the Cougars seeded at No. 21 in the playoffs. After beating the No. 12-ranked St. Augustine Catholic Wolves earlier in the week, the Cougars were drawn against No. 1-seeded Thatcher, who came into the tournament with a 21-6 record and a nine-game winning streak.

Thatcher looked like a No. 1 seed from the start, jumping out to a commanding 10-2 lead in the first set. The lead was created by strong offensive play by Taya Baldwin, who finished with six kills in the game.

“I think we played too nervous,” said Phoenix Christian junior Cassidy Clifford. “We came in knowing that they were No. 1, but I think we took our opportunity for granted.”

After the quick start, Thatcher held off the Cougars for the remainder of the set and eventually won the set 25-18. 

A lack of inexperience in big games was another big factor for Phoenix Christian. This was the first playoff appearance by the program since a one-and-done campaign in 2014.

“I think it was a very overwhelming experience for my starters,” said Phoenix Christian head coach Amanda Lopez. “The reality is that I only had one girl who plays club volleyball on the court. None of them had really played at a very high level before, so that was to our disadvantage.”

The second set was similar to the first, with Thatcher taking a controlling lead right from the start. Phoenix Christian was able to pull within four points at 20-16 on the back of a 6-3 run. However, the run was not enough as the Eagles closed out the set winning five of the last seven points to take it 25-18.

Phoenix Christian finally took its first lead of the game in the third set, 2-0. The Eagles turned to senior Haylee Layton, whose serving propelled her team to a 7-0 run to take the set lead. Once in front, the Eagles were never troubled and won the final set 25-10.

Thatcher was able to contain Atlantis Jamerson, the 2A Valley Volleyball Regional Offensive Player of the Year, early on because of a strong net defense that accounted for a dozen blocks.

Jamerson got into her groove as the match progressed and ended with 15 kills, which added to her team-leading 393 kills. This was the final match at the high school level for Jamerson and seven of her teammates, and emotions were in full effect after the game.

“It never really hit me that it was my final game until right now,” said Jamerson. “It is sad that this chapter is closing and that I have to move on to something new, but I am glad we made it this far.”

While the Cougars are losing a good number of players, they are returning four of seven starters. Among those returning next season are All-Region 1st Team Ainsley Ebert, and Honorable Mentions Daisy Martinez and Clifford.

“I am already excited and thinking about what we can do next year to rebuild,” said Ebert.