Brandon Tran is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Glendale Prep High School for AZPreps365.

The Glendale Prep Griffins defeated the Highland Prep Honey Badgers 3-0 Wednesday night.

The Griffins improved to 4-10 and 4-2 in the 2A Central Region. 

This was a commanding win from beginning to end. The three sets went 25-14, 25-10, and 25-7 in favor of the Griffins. 

The Griffins opened this season 0-8, not winning a set until the eighth game of the season. But they have since built momentum with wins over 2A Central Region opponents North Pointe Prep, Basis Phoenix and Mountainside.

First-year Griffins coach Natalie Player was pleased with Wednesday's win. 

“I think it’s all just [about the team] chemistry,” she said. “[As] going from club volleyball down to high school was challenging and different.”

The Griffins used a loss on Monday against Scottdale Preparatory as confidence entering this match.

The Griffins led the first two sets, never trailing once. The only time the Griffins trailed was in the third set, 2-1.

Junior setter Chloe Moore was key to the team's success setting up teammates as well as serving the ball.

Moore's hard work paid off and showed how important the setter-hitter connection is. Moore finished strong with 10 assists in the first two sets and came out in the third set with 14 assists. She also showed how important team chemistry is.

“I think a lot it has to be building around team chemistry,” said Moore. “And getting to know each other as a team”

The Griffins' trust in each other set up key kills for senior team captains Madelyn Middendorf and Radha Bhakta. Sophomore middle blocker Sydney Smith had eight kills.

“I think from losing as a team,” said Moore, “you [would want to] appreciate the wins a lot more. [But] through those struggles we got a lot closer, not just as teammates but also as friends.”

“I think we just trusted each other,” said Smith. “[Going] through practice and getting to build our team chemistry, we were able to come back from those [tough losses] and play better.”

The Griffins visit Camp Verde at 6 p.m. on Monday for a non-region match as they seek their first win against a non-region team.