Alexander Martinez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Washington High School for AZPreps365.com

The Washington Rams will be at the Independence Patriots on Oct. 15, where they will be looking to get their first 5A Central Valley regional win of the 2024 season.

Washington (4-8, 0-4) has had another rough season this year. They are currently in last place, had a four-match skid before their win at Bourgade Catholic on Oct. 3, are currently 1-7 against other 5A teams. 

Despite the Rams' struggles, their senior outside hitter and defensive specialist Jazmyn Stevenson has continued to have a spectacular season. She leads the team in kills with 98 kills and is looking to continue her dominant play.

“Jazmyn is an essential part of our team when it comes to making plays and leading by example,” Washington head coach Taylor Dunn said. “She is an incredible athlete and has a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of volleyball. She is an asset to her teammates, as she is reliable and can often bring up the momentum and energy on the court as well as be a leader to her team.”

Independence (7-4, 4-0) contrastly is at the top of the region, losing just one set in the past five matches. The Patriots are led by junior setter Cayla Morgan. Averaging 2.1 kills per set, she has the team-high 110 kills and 142 assists.

“Cayla is an amazing setter and a very important part of our team. She never comes off the court as she plays very smart and is able to get the kills we need at the times we need them. She is an outstanding player and has impressive stats for a setter,” Independence head coach Michelle Monaghan said. “We will continue to play our game and do what we need to do to get the wins.”

Washington was dominated by Independence at home in a 3-0 sweep (12-25, 19-25, 14-25) during their previous meeting on September 24. 

“We will be putting a large focus on defense, specifically defending the deep corners, as that was where we struggled in our last loss to them,” Dunn said. “We will be putting a large focus on communication in the back row as well as reading and adjusting defensively to those different scenarios.”

Washington will try to beat Independence for the first time since 2021, when they swept the season series.