Will Horan is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler Prep for AZPreps365.com

The Chandler Prep Titans on Monday took Sequoia Pathway down in straight sets to advance to 9-1 on the season.

The Titans looked poised against Sequoia thanks to strong serving and hard-nosed defense. Sequoia did not reach 20 points in any of the three sets played. 

“We’ve led the state of Arizona in serving aces the last two years, so we are a very strong serving team; that’s all attributed to these girls and their work ethic,” said coach Anthony Jones.

Strong may still be an understatement. Chandler Prep had 15 serving aces in its three sets, nine combined coming from outside hitter Zoe Yates and setter Olivia Romesburg. Yates tacked on three aces for the Titans.

“We were trying to hit seams, force them to communicate with each other and find the open spots on the court ,which are usually by the sidelines,” Yates said.

She led the team with nine kills and 16 digs. 

With strong serving, Chandler Prep found itself with big leads, and the strong arms up front made it hard for Sequoia to rally. Abbie and Ashlyn Unruh added 16 kills, eight each from the sisters. Chandler Prep got out to a 12-4 lead in the first set, and didn’t look back, winning 25-12.

The dominating offense continued in the second set with another quick and strong 21-6 outburst from the Titans that was too insurmountable for Sequoia. Sequoia chipped away at the Titans’ 15 point lead, but came up short 25-17. 

The third set started well for Sequoia. Even though it never had a lead larger than 2-0, it was kept close. It was 16-15 Chandler Prep and it looked like Sequoia may have found a set to steal, but a 9-2 burst by the Titans ended the comeback hopes.

Defensively, Chandler Prep was just as sound as its offense. Junior middle hitter Nadine Spencer-Waters owned the net for the Titans. Her big swing produced four kills, some taking advantage of Sequoia overpasses, and she tacked on a couple blocks as well. The Unruh sisters also contributed at the net; it was a balanced front that never allowed Sequoia to find rhythm.

The Titan defense was anchored by libero Lily Weber, who found herself making a difference due to the absence of Juliet Mason.

“This was my first time this season playing libero,” said Weber.

Weber looked comfortable for her first appearance there, adding 15 digs to go along with just one serve receive error. 

Looking ahead, Chandler Prep (3-0 in the region) continues its region schedule against Tempe Prep (6-4) on Thursday at home before playing in The Florence Invitational Volleyball Tournament this weekend.