Katrina Villarreal is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover North Phoenix Preparatory for AZPreps365.com  

North Phoenix Preparatory succeeded Tuesday night at home against conference rival Anthem Preparatory in a three-set match, 25-17, 25-18, 25-9. 

North Phoenix Prep (2-2, 2-2) went on a 5-0 run in the first set to take a 12-5 lead. Anthem Prep (2-2, 2-2) coach Ian Wells called a timeout during the Gladiators’ second 5-0 run of the set in hopes of stopping the Gladiators’ hot streak. The Eagles were able to add a few points at the end of the set due to some errors, but the Gladiators claimed the first set 25-17, thanks to an ace from junior Bella Conner on set point.

The second set got off to a slow start for the Gladiators after a few errors, but they began to gain momentum after a kill. North Phoenix Prep went on a 9-0 run after multiple aces from junior Yana K, forcing the Eagles to call the first timeout of the set. 

Anthem Prep was able to keep the ball alive on multiple occasions by keeping it from going out of bounds, which helped them put points on the board.

“They have a passion for it,” Wells said. “We shouldn’t be making the mistakes in the first place, but they at least have a passion to try to keep the point going, which is important.”

In preparation for the rivalry game, North Phoenix Prep coach Summer Anderson said her players really focused on making every single point count, and making sure their energy was up at all times. 

“Just focusing on one point at a time and making sure everyone was in their spots ready to go,” Anderson said. “We have a lot of problems with energy, especially losing the point or (with) another team going on a five-point run.”

In the final set, North Phoenix Prep closed out the match with an 8-0 run after multiple errors from Anthem Prep and a few blocks and kills from the Gladiators. 

The Gladiators were able to close out the match, 25-9, with a go-ahead kill from sophomore Sophie Ulrich.

North Phoenix Prep finished the match with 57 kills, three blocks, 31 serving aces and 87 digs.

The Gladiators were able to shut out the Eagles in its defensive efforts with some notable performances from K, who had five kills, and Ulrich, who had 15 kills. K also recorded six aces. 

K said her serving efforts were the highlight of her game.

“I was definitely more prepared,” K said. “I was more relaxed, being able to pick spots (to serve), enjoying where I was serving and really getting them on their toes.”

North Phoenix Prep will travel to Chandler to take on Lincoln Prep (3-3, 2-1) at 6 p.m. Thursday. Anthem Prep will be back home at 6 p.m. Thursday to host Maryvale Prep (2-2, 1-1).