Damian Rios is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover St. Mary's Catholic High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX -- St. Mary's High School extended the Thunderbird Titans to five sets at home Tuesday evening, losing 15-11 in the final set. 

The Knights (15-6) were greeted with cheers while the Titans (20-4) were met with a growl of boos. 

St. Mary's started the match strong, stealing the first set 25-17, then dropping set two, 25-19, and three, 25-18, to Thunderbird. The Titans would later win the match in the fifth set, 15-11.

Chants of "You can't do that," rang through the gymnasium whenever the opposing Titans would commit a foul, or "Tick Tick Boom," when the Knights would serve. The fans were back and forth all night, just like the match itself. Tension was in the air during the  match, with many parents and students arguing with the calls. A student fan got too rowdy and was escorted out by security.

St. Mary's varsity coach, September Lopez, is in her ninth season with the Knights. She started her coaching career with the junior varsity team for one year, then transitioning to varsity. Lopez's record in varsity is 113 wins and 90 losses, giving her a 79.6% win rate.

With the help of senior captain and dual-sport athlete Spirit Phipps, the Knights were focused and determined during the match. Knights in the fourth set, down 2-1

"Phipps is actively in the recruiting process, as well as Ella Fahrendorf and Michele Galindo," said Lopez.

Phipps showed off her incredible arm strength in Tuesday's match, helping win two sets. She averaged two kills per set, getting 10 throughout the evening, and closing out the first set with a kill. Not only did Phipps show off her quick, strong arm, she also finessed her way getting points with soft touches. Her gentle taps made the ball float over the net and croaked down on the opponent's side of the court.

Phipps and the Knights had some help from sophomore Shelbie Lemm, accounting for a majority of the team's blocks and kills.
St. Mary's will play at home the next two nights: Wednesday against Greenway High School,and Thursday against Moon Valley's Rockets. Both matches begin at 6 p.m.