Matthew Matthies is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover high school sports for AZPreps365.com

The Estrella Foothills boys volleyball team played Wednesday night against St. Mary’s with the hope of extending their winning streak to 5-0. The Wolves swept their last four opponents, going 12-0 on sets. The team added to its winning streak by sweeping the Knights in three sets 25-12, 25-22, 25-16.

The Wolves were constantly chanting throughout the game. The sounds of rumbling feet and hollering back and forth on the bench gave the team a spark offensively.

“Every time something good happens for our team, we will chant something,” said Estrella Foothills senior Cutter Briscoe.

The Wolves offensive prowess was the deciding factor. The squad combined for 39 kills and 37 assists. Junior Ryan Bugs led the team with ten kills and two aces.

Both Noah Amenhauser and Mason Robinson were ruled out against St. Mary’s due to injuries.

“It was a huge hit for us,” said Wolves head coach Michael Matteson. “We’ve had to make some adjustments these past couple of weeks for a lot of reasons. We’ve had to change our offense again and again and again.”

Although Amenhauser was hurt, he’d been very supportive of his teammates both off and on the court.

“(I’m) just trying to encourage,” Amenhauser said. “Lifting guys up in practice and just helping in any way I can.”

“(Amenhauser) keeps things light for the boys," Matteson said. "He makes things fun!”

Matteson has over 24 years of extensive coaching experience in volleyball and Bugs credits the coach's insight for the team's success this season.

“(He's) been there. He’s seen it,” said Bugs. “He knows what to expect and how we can execute.”

Matteson helped the Wolves to the Southwest regional championships last year for both the boys and girls teams, where he serves as the assistant head coach. In 2021, Matteson took the honors for Southwest Region Coach of the Year.

“It’s been really fun to watch them develop and grow through the game,” said Matteson.