Skylar Staples is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

Mesa High's volleyball team won its last two matches before fall break with its last victory coming Sept. 29 against Skyline in straight sets, 25-13,. 25-11 and 25-14.

The Jackrabbits are now 2-2 in regional play as they swept Westwood High on Sept. 27 at home.

“We are just going to keep implementing what we have been doing in practice the past week and a half and just really honing in on the fundamentals of volleyball, like the basics of  passing and hitting," said Mesa assistant coach Mckay Johnson, who also played for Mesa High.

"If we keep doing that and playing the way that we are,  we are going to win the games that we should. It’s showing on the court that we are making  big improvements."

Against Skyline, Mesa focused on attacking at the net and keeping the ball in play. The Jackrabbits led the first set, 12-4, forcing Skyline to take a timeout. Rylann Dixon and Makena Rumple led the attack as they accounted for 11 of Mesa's points off kills.

Rumple was aggressive at the net in the back row with several kills hitting the ten foot line and a free ball kill. Dixon also helped with her skill and creativity at the net, most notably at 13-8 when she gained a kill off a piggyback attack.

Mesa won the first set, 25-13. 

The next set for Mesa was fueled by the momentum of the previous set. 

Within the first 10 points, Mesa had an eight-point serving streak by senior setter Ellie Postert which allowed the Jackrabbits to lead, 11-3.

The energy was carried throughout the game as both Dixon and Rumple were valuable players at the net, hitting several kills for the team.

Skyline could not muster a comeback and dropped the second set, 25-11. 

Dixon continued her strong play in the thrid set, but other Mesa hitters were on the attack like Jonnie Cummard, who had two kills and two aces in the set. Mesa put up yet another tough offense that Skyline could not get around despite having net errors.

Mesa finished the third set, 25-14, to complete the regional victory. 

"We are always excited to play any game, we are always excited to play anyone," Mesa junior Nia Taueli said. "Whenever we can play with a volleyball, we’re happy."  

Skyline was looking to end a three-game losing skid, but Mesa came out with the victory to gain more confidence in their pursuit of a championship.

“I think we executed the game plan that we set before tonight's game and I think we did it perfectly,  if we keep doing that then we are on the right track to go to state,” Johnson said. 

Mesa head coach Vee Hiapo also thinks the team has potential to do well in the state game.

"We are preparing for the state championship and  in order to do that they are coming back early from their vacations," she said. "I love these girls; the dedication that they have is just wonderful. They’ll be winners. They are coming back early and bulking it up because they have about three weeks left of the season. That’s where we are, preparing for the big one.” 

The victory took on extra meaning for Hiapo as she previously coached at Skyline. 

"I love those Skyline girls, they are always very humble," Hiapo said. "I miss them a lot and it’s just very nice to see them. They have got a good coach,  I actually coached her in college. It is nice to see her coaching them." 

Mesa will resume play Tuesday at Dobson High School.