Beatriz Martinez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism graduate student assigned to cover Chandler for AZPreps365.com

It was a tough loss for the Chandler Wolves, losing in straight sets to the Hamilton Huskies, their arch rival and defending state champions, on Wednesday.

The Wolves (7-3) were swept 15-25, 13-25, and 14-25, by the Huskies (9-0).

Chandler has spent most of its season competing in tournament games and playing against non-section teams. This match against the Huskies was the Wolves’ second Premier Region game.

Coach Nathan Saunders is ready to put more focus towards practice to better prepare for future games.

“This is our fourth week of three games straight,” Saunders said. “So we’ve played 12 games when some teams have only played four. We’re very thankful to get some practice time and be able to focus, learn and grow from the really competitive games that we’ve been able to have.”

Ranked No. 20 in the state with 39 blocks, senior Neve Thomson contributed four blocks, two kills and two digs in Wednesday’s match.

Thomson said she sets goals for herself so her contribution to the team is secure but she felt she could’ve done more for her team. 

“Overall, with the blocking and stuff that’s obviously something everybody gets excited about,” Thomson said. “I’m proud of it but there were little things that I was hoping I would’ve executed better.”

The Wolves attempted to make a comeback in all three sets but Hamilton’s returning players, seniors Neomi Beach and Melia Barlow, were unstoppable. 

“They’ve got really talented players on the Hamilton side,” Saunders said. “Neomi Beach, she's a hammer. She’s really good.”

Beach, No. 1 in the state for kills (266), finished with 17 and Barlow, No.1 in the state for assists (568), put up 29 against Chandler.

“They run a middle-follow offense so it’s a little bit different than what you see the rest of the teams around the state,” Saunders said. “They have a little bit different attack options so we’re just making sure we’re having a good block and block read and touch balls as much as we can.”

Last year, Hamilton coach Sharon Vanis had nine of her seniors graduate. Vanis said there were probably a lot of people who weren’t certain of the success of this season. 

“I think I have incredible senior leadership, and the seniors aren’t always on the floor,” Vanis said. “I mean there’s a couple of them that don’t play as much but they still buy into the system, and the system is nothing more than being reliable, dependable, and hard working, and they help me with that side of the game.”

Senior Felise Jones gave her best effort putting up eight assists, one kill, and seven digs. Jones said she was waiting all day for the game to happen. 

“Going into the game I honestly was pretty nervous,” Jones said. “Rival games are a huge thing. Everyone was nervous, I think. We just need to set higher standards for ourselves to do better.”