Paul Garcia II is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism graduate student assigned to cover Cactus High School for AZPreps365.com

The Greenway Demons dramatically upset the Cactus Cobras on Tuesday night at Cactus in a battle for Greenway Road, returning from down two sets to heroically take the next three for the victory. 

The Cobras were bewildered by the Demons after a dominating start, falling in five sets, 25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 23-25, 13-15. Greenway has now won four straight matches.

Cactus found themselves in unfamiliar territory, having their first match this season that went further than three sets.

“It’s heart that unfortunately was the biggest difference between us and Greenway tonight,” Cactus coach Jana Henige said. “We can't coach heart. All we can do is encourage and see who is going to be the difference-maker on the team.”

Middle blockers Sapphire Solano and Kenly Petty commanded the Cobras to an early lead, combining for nine kills in the opening two-set victories. Sapphire and Petty led the team with 11 kills each.

Being down two sets to none and a quick 4-0 deficit in set three, thanks to Cactus captain Jadyn Pauli’s three consecutive aces, didn’t discourage Greenway from fighting back to even the match at 2-2.

Greenway senior Tatum Peterson, who plays setter, did much more than that. She found a hole in the Cactus defense with a series of cross-court kills. 

“We worked on cross-shot, cross-shot, and cross-shot every day in practice,” Greenway coach Sarah Peterson said. “We’re always about taking the center out. Cactus has good middles. If we take the center out, they can’t set the middle.” 

Cactus didn’t have an answer for Tatum Peterson and her match-leading 13 kills and five blocks.

“We were coaching defending the cross-court shots all night,” Henige said. “At some point, it just comes down to our players trusting and executing what we coach.”

In a fifth set that saw 13 ties and lead changes, nine kills, and three blocks between both sides, it was Greenway who came out on top, 15-13, completing the reverse sweep. 

A bright spot for Cactus was the all-around play from senior captain Jadyn Pauli, who had six aces, five kills and a block.

“She is the best player on that court,” Cactus setter senior Haley Stewart said. “Well-rounded, great at everything, and a silent comfort that is always there. That is what cements her place as captain.”

Cactus (2-3) will travel to Coronado (2-3) at 6 p.m.Wednesday. 

Greenway (4-2) will defend its four-game winning streak at 6 p.m. Thursday when the Demons host Independence (2-3).