Andrew Merklinger is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier Prep for AZPreps365.com. 

Xavier Prep hasn’t had much difficulty when it comes to winning championships as a school. However, the volleyball team finds themselves in their longest championship drought to date. 

After winning their first girls' volleyball state title in 1996, the school, until now, had not gone more than three years without winning a state championship. They currently find themselves having gone five years without a state title with the last coming in 2018. 

“It just would be great for Sister Lynn, this year I believe is her 50th year at Xavier and to hand her that trophy would just make my heart smile. Being a fall sport it’s always great to start off the year with a state championship so then the Winter and the Spring, they’re ready to go. Last year we were a little short on that and just to contribute to the success of the school is something that means a lot to our girls and especially to me,” Xavier Head Coach Lamar-Renee Bryant said. Bryant has been the Head Coach for Xavier for the last three of their state championships. 

Just like last year, Xavier started the season in Arizona going 9-0 and has not dropped a set. The Gators are 20-3 overall with their only losses coming from tournament play. 

However, the part that Xavier doesn’t want to be similar to last season is how it ended. After going 15-2 in Arizona, 26-5 overall, they were awarded the second seed in the 6A bracket but went on to get upset by Perry in the quarterfinals in a game that went to the fifth set. 

“I think that one of the key things that we’ve been working on lately is our focus. We seem to be a team that shows up completely when we feel the match is even and don’t show up as much when we are playing a lesser team,” assistant coach Jamie Itule said. “We’ve shown some success lately with this and I really think that’s what’s going to get us all the way is playing every point in every match like it’s our Super Bowl,” said Itule. Playing down to opponents is something that happens often in sports but is something that the Gators will be looking to avoid this season in order to become champions. 

“I think this year’s team truly has all the pieces necessary the past couple of years we really were lacking in certain key areas and position for position we have everything it takes to go all the way,” said Itule. 

“We definitely have the group, we have the pieces, we just need to stay focused and get better now so we are ready for the postseason,” junior returning player Vivian Hickman said. 

Xavier has not dropped a set so far in games against Arizona competition and they have looked to be one of the top teams in the state. There is budding hope within the team that is shared by their coaching staff and players alike for what this team can accomplish. 

“Just making sure we take care of the little things. Understanding our role on the court and off the court and being good teammates and staying efficient. If we stay efficient and really make sure that our opponents have to score their points, and we don’t give them points we’re really in a good situation,” said Bryant to what this team must do going forward to continue the early season success. She added with “This year offensively, we are offensively diverse, and we have multiple ways to score so if we serve and stay in system then all things are possible for this group.” 

“We just need to have focus in everything we do, and in every point we play, and in practice and in games,” said Hickman. 

Another key aspect of Xavier’s team that gives them their confidence is their sense of team comradery. “I definitely think that part of the secret sauce here at Xavier, it is the comradery. This group has been pretty close for our last couple years and adding in the freshman they do a really good job adapting the young underclassmen into our Xavier traditions and expectations. When you want to fight for the girl, your sister next to you it just makes the group stronger,” said Bryant. 

“This is a group of very good girls, good humans, with good hearts and we’re excited about the rest of the season,” said Itule. 

The team looks to add their 14th state title for volleyball this year and gain sole possession of second all-time in Arizona for girls' volleyball championships. 

Xavier has trips lined up to Pinnacle and Basha on Wednesday and Thursday.