Washington swept by Independence in first 5A region match-up
September 25, 2024 by Alexander Martinez, Arizona State University
Alexander Martinez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Washington High School for AZPreps365.com
The Washington Rams were dominated at home by the Independence Patriots in straight sets, 25-12, 25-19, 25-14, Tuesday.
It was both teams’ first region match of the season, and kept the Rams winless against the Patriots since 2022. The Patriots' victory ended their three-match skid.
Independence started the match on a 8-0 run and never looked back. Washington did begin the second set leading 8-2, however, but Independence bounced back with its own run, swiftly taking the second and third sets.
The Patriots (3-4) were led by junior setter Cayla Morgan's eight kills and three aces.
“We just need to take every game one step at a time,” Independence head coach Michelle Monaghan said. “This is a great start for us and we cannot take any game lightly.”
Despite the loss, Washington senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Jazmyn Stevenson led the match with eight kills.
“Rough losses like this are what I use for motivation, even though it is tough for me. I just want to take it back to my team and try to motivate them and continue to encourage them,” Stevenson said.
With only four wins in the past two years, it has not been easy for Washington (3-5).
However, there’s been a shift in culture this year as evident by the three wins and leadership of Stevenson.
“She (Stevenson) is a huge leader on and off the court. When it comes to practice, she will try to help break it down for the girls a little more so they understand it” Washington interim head coach Dana Paterson said. “She has great ideas, and when the team is working cohesively and together, she is kind of the captain that keeps that rally going and is overall just an amazing kid.”
Even though it lost, the match will help Washington improve its offense and defense, Paterson said.
Washington’s next match is at Copper Canyon (2-6) on Thursday at 6 p.m. Copper Canyon swept the season series last year, with both matches ending in 3-1 scores.