Dylan denDekker is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Brophy College Prep for AZPreps365.com 

PHOENIX-- The Queen Creek Bulldogs were swept in their 6A state quarterfinal match by the Xavier Prep Gators Tuesday night, 3-0. The contest was held at Xavier College Prep and the No. 6 Gators displayed their prowess.

Running and diving for every ball led the Gators to their three-set victory with scores of 25-14, 25-16, and 25-20. Although the Bulldogs fell short in their quest for the state championship, coach Erica Crismon had nothing but uplifting words for her team. 

“I’m proud of my girls,” said coach Crismon. “I’m proud of them for battling through region play, showing up as a completely different team in the playoffs, and just fighting no matter what.”

Xavier College Prep celebrating its victory over Queen Creek (Photo by Dylan denDekker/AZPreps365.com)

Sophomore outside hitter Blaykli Bobik is a stand-out player for Queen Creek. She entered Tuesday's match ranked third in the 6A Central division in kills with 386, and 13th in aces with 48. “She’s an awesome kid and real competitive and it’s really fun to coach a kid like that,” said coach Crismon. “Who just lives and dies by winning.”

The Bulldogs are a young team that will improve with the leadership from Bobik and other soon-to-be upper-classmen.  “We are gonna train in the summer, off-season for club, and just work harder than we did last year and get after it," said the 5'10" Bobik.

The Bulldogs ended their season 22-16 but, having grown as a team this season, Queen Creek has the momentum to become a powerhouse school.

“We are on a mission, we are ready to show who Queen Creek is,” said coach Crismon. “We are ready to join these big teams like Xavier, Hamilton, and Perry.”

Queen Creek upset Perry in round one of the playoffs and proved to many their capability. 

As the Bulldogs are out of the 6A State Championship, Xavier will move onto the semifinals and play Hamilton on Thursday, November 11, at Hamilton High School.