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

Maryvale swept Alhambra (25-15, 25-18, 27-25) after a competitive third set on Tuesday, giving the team its second win versus the Lions this season.

The teams had their first matchup of the season on Sept. 22, and the Panthers (5-9) secured their win in three sets. But their head coach Ashley Bodden wanted to see more in their second meeting and her aspirations were fulfilled on Tuesday.

The Panthers saw huge improvements on defense as they dominated the first two sets. They would end up coming out with the win after a six-point deficit in the third.

“They did a really good job,” Bodden said. “We did a lot better offensively and defensively, that’s why we were able to win in three sets.”

To get ready for the game after a 13-day break from their last game versus North, Maryvale prepared in practice on defending Alhambra’s back-row attacks. 

Maryvale’s work paid off, enabling them to capitalize and get points on the board.

“We stepped it up on offense,” Bodden said. “We were a little shaky with our serves but overall I saw a lot of improvement.”

Junior outside hitter Jennifer Morales-Solis was a standout player and believes the team communicated much better especially in tough situations. Communication was an issue during their previous game against North leading them to a fourth set loss.

“There was a lot more talking on the court,” Morales-Solis said. “If someone was going for the ball we made sure to call it.”

Morales-Solis and the rest of the team were able to get momentum early and keep it throughout the match, leaving Alhambra (2-12) unable to take the lead throughout the first two sets.

The third set took a turn, and Maryvale trailed 21-19 toward the end. They traded leads during the last handful of plays but came out on top 27-25.

“A lot of emotions were going through everyone’s head at the end,” Morales-Solis said. “We were more anxious than anything but I’m happy we didn’t give up.”

But in the final set, the Lions to take the lead, but nonetheless the Panthers persevered and finished strong.

“Whatever it was, we let it go,” Morales-Solis said. “We always think about the next hit or the next pass and I feel like that’s what we stand by.”

Bodden was focused on making sure the team kept their head up with good energy in the huddles and on the bench throughout the game. 

“We really kept at it when we were down six or seven in that last set and we came back,” Bodden said.

There’s no denying that Bodden is the heart and soul of Maryvale girls volleyball. But Maryvale's junior varsity had coach Jamie Goytia’s enthusiasm during the game also drives the Panthers.

“My main job is to work with the setters and help them understand where to move the ball,” Goytia said.

Under his coaching, Maryvale’s setting was on point Tuesday with multiple players contributing several aces throughout the night.

The Panther’s look to finish the season strong in their last two games versus Carl Hayden (0-12) on Oct. 20 and Camelback (3-9) on Oct. 24.