Aya Abdeen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Ridge High School for AZPreps365.com

The Desert Ridge Jaguars hosted the Gilbert Tigers, one of Arizona's top-10 varsity volleyball teams, according to MaxPreps.com, on Wednesday night in Mesa. The Jaguars, undefeated at home until this point, fought hard, but fell short against the Tigers 25-23, 25-15, 25-19.

Desert Ridge had an impressive first set, hanging with the Tigers the whole way but falling just short, 25-23. 

Gilbert kept the momentum going and capitalized off Desert Ridge’s mistakes, leading the second set by 20-8 before taking a 25-15 win in the second set. 

In the third and final set, Desert Ridge came back and took an early 7-1 lead over Gilbert. But the Tigers went on a 7-1 run to tie the score at 8-8. Gilbert completed the sweep over the Jaguars in the third and final set of the match, 25-19.

Jaguars head coach Randi Eaton said the team would have to do a better job of taking care of the ball and not allowing opponents to go on runs. 

“We just have to make sure that we’re taking care of our side a lot better, moving our feet more and working better as a team,” Eaton said. 

With the win, Gilbert improved to 18-4 on the season. The Tigers outscored the Jaguars in digs, 63-34; kills, 47-20; and aces, 7-4. 

Senior outside hitter Courtney Grant, who leads Desert Ridge in hitting percentage, had 8 kills and 10 digs. Sophomore libero and defensive specialist Riley Abshire, who leads the team in digs per set and digs throughout the season, recorded 10 digs. Junior setter Kenna Rittenhouse led the team in service aces with 13 and had a percentage of aces with 7.7.

Junior captain Abby Kilpatrick said the team “wants to talk more on and off the court so we can open up our offense.” Kilpatrick also said that the Jaguars “played hard and fast pace” against the Tigers.

Several teammates and the coaching staff praised freshman outside hitter Natalie Lorenzo because of her leadership and experience in volleyball. She leads the team in kills per set, kills, serving aces, and receptions and recorded 10 kills and 15 digs.

“Natalie brings a lot to our team as she’s already experienced as a freshman,” Eaton said. “And she’s the kind of person many players look forward to seeing out there. Natalie is a leader on the floor as she brings a good volleyball mentality. With the help of the other girls, she’s able to work as hard as she can.” 

Assistant coach Heidi Hoopes echoed Eaton’s praise. 

“She passed great and was one of our top offensive hitters,” Hoopes said. “She’s one of the most important players on our team and she really cares about the team.” 

The loss dropped Desert Ridge to 9-14 on the season.