Brendan Belfield is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Maryvale High School for AZPreps365.com

Coming off a 13-day pause from play, the Maryvale Panthers face the Alhambra Lions in what’ll be their second meeting this season.

The Panthers (4-11) took down the Lions (1-14) in five sets on Sept. 22. After they got that road win, head coach Ashley Bodden looks to lead her group to its third win at home.

A victory would secure Maryvale its fourth win in 10 games, surpassing their win total from last year. Their last season above four wins was back in 2016 when they finished 6-18.

The key will be to remain persistent. Bodden believes her team has progressed since that last match and should be able to take Alhambra in straight sets.

“Last time we kind of just let them come back in the third set, and then let them come back again,” Bodden said. “We’re really working on actually finishing and staying consistent. Consistency is what’s vital for us.”

Set to face on Oct. 18, it’s been nearly two weeks since the Panthers last played. Practicing has been key for Bodden’s group.

Unlike the opponents they face, none of Maryvale’s girls play club in the offseason, which made it difficult for the Panthers to find a solid rotation from the jump.

Bodden has seen her team develop through the reps they take in their workouts. She’s confident that’ll carry on as they envision ending the 2022 campaign on a high note.

“The more hours they get, the better they’re going to be,” she said.

One prevalent leader for the team has been senior setter America Zamaniego. 

Putting up 30 kills on 104 attempts, Zamaniego helps the team stay afloat and put up a fight on a nightly basis.

“My mood is very influential to the team,” Zamaniego said. “If I’m in a good mindset we’ll play well.”

After the Panthers’ hiatus, making sure leaders like Zamaniego are playing at their best is going to be a key factor in securing the win at home.

Jennifer Morales Solis is another one of Maryvale's key players. She’s just as ready as Zamaniego when it comes to uniting and showcasing their teamwork.

“When we’re not getting frustrated with each other and we work as a team, we end up playing a lot better than when we just give up,” said Morales Solis.

She's always present on the court, and Morales Solis picks up her teammates when a play doesn’t go their way to help maintain their momentum.

Although players like Morales Solis and Zamaniego are in tune with the way the team plays, the squad as a whole has a long way to go communication-wise if they want to finish the season strong.

Communication on the court was a struggle in their previous loss to the North Mustangs, and Bodden was vocal about fixing that leading into their match versus Alhambra.

“We’re not calling the ball and we’re not calling our hits,” Bodden said. “So we’ve been really trying to work on that, and I think it’ll show against Alhambra.”