Karli Koskovich is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Cactus Shadows High School for AZPreps365.com

A rivalry that goes back at least 15 years is still well in the works as Horizon on Wednesday defeated Cactus Shadows, a school from just up the road, for the first time in years. 

Energy was high from the start as both teams had something to fight for. Cactus Shadows was hoping to reach .500, while Horizon looked to bring back the crown from their Falcon rivals.

This was the first Husky win over the Falcons since 2018. Three up, three out was the name of the game. The Huskies posted a 3-0 sweep with scores of 25-12, 25-10 and 25-13.

“I told the girls if you show up mentally it's ours. If you break down, then they're going to take it from you,” said Horizon head coach McKenna Skaggs. 

The game was personal for both teams. Plus, considering many of the girls play club together, neither wanted to lose.

“Obviously, no one likes to lose to a rival. I mean, they are a good Cactus Shadows team,” said Horizon junior outside hitter Teraya Sigler. 

The Falcons lost nine seniors in the graduating class of 2023. That is almost a full court of play.

The changes within the team have impacted how the season has played out, but one Cactus Shadows player believes the loss was related to something else.

“I think we were focusing a lot on who is on the other side of the court. I think we can do better at just focusing on who's on our side," said senior defensive specialist Maxine Curtin. 

Curtin was referring to the one Husky who had the entire gym glued to her every move, including the opposing Falcons. 

Sigler carried the Huskies to victory alongside senior captain Abby Dudley. Sigler had many spikes that were too powerful for the defense to return. Even though Sigler is a junior, she plays a major role in the success of this team.

“Teraya is just an awesome, awesome leader to have out there,” said Skaggs.

Sigler’s leadership skills reflect on the rest of her life as well. This past summer, Sigler committed to the University of Nebraska to play volleyball. 

However, her commitment did not change a thing about who she is as a person. Sigler has always been a role model to each player inside the program. Even though Sigler is a powerhouse on the court, she said her greatest asset is her grit.

“I seriously hate losing,” said Sigler. “I will do anything to not lose.” 

Fortunately for Sigler, her contribution to the team may have set the score out of the Falcon fly range.