Alicia Armendariz is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Bourgade Catholic High School for AZPreps365.com

Coming off of a championship win in the Epic Tourneys Girls Volleyball Invite, the Bourgade Catholic Eagles lost a three-set match Monday against the Gilbert Christian Knights, 25-9, 25-14, 25-8. 

This past weekend, the Eagles went 5-1 to secure the bronze division championship trophy in the tournament. Unfortunately, they could not carry that momentum into the match against the Knights. 

“We need to come back and get a good practice in tomorrow,” Eagles coach Jesse Santos said. “We are new to their division and they are a pretty tough team.”

Currently, the Knights are ranked No. 1 in the 3A Metro conference. Junior middle hitter Alexia Heyn has been essential to the Knights’ success. 

“Alexia is a hard worker,” Knights coach Andrew Rasmussen said. “It has been really neat to see her continue to develop over the last three years and she's not done yet. This is her second game in a new position as opposite hitter.”

Heyn excelled in the opposite hitter position as she made 13 kills and found her groove in the final set with her first four aces of the season. Her season totals now sit at 78 kills and four aces in 33 sets. 

Sophomore outside hitter Sienna Cathey is also a driving force for the Knights.

“Sienna is another great, young talented athlete,” Rasmussen said. “She put a ton of work in this offseason.”

Cathey’s dedication is paying off as she made 12 kills and two aces, bringing her season totals to 107 kills and 18 aces in 34 sets.

The Eagles struggled to keep up with the Knights but showed persistence as they kept cheering each other on. Senior middle hitter Kyra Williams steps up to lead the team during tough matches.

“I always want to communicate with my outsides first to make sure they know what they’re doing and to make sure they’re in the right mental headspace,” Williams said. “I tell them let's go, we will get the next point and I always tell them I’m going to be there for them and that I am their support.”

Williams had four kills and three blocks, bringing her season totals to 34 kills and 26 blocks in 15 sets. 

Despite putting up one ace and one kill, senior outside hitter and defensive specialist Emily Bonilla made a difference with her effort. Playing in both positions, Bonilla made key contributions to keep the Eagles going.

“She’s coachable. She’ll go in, do what I ask of her as a player and handle the ball,” Santos said.

Bourgade Catholic (0-3, 0-1) travels to Payson (6-1, 6-1) on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.