Ben Wiley is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Betty H. Fairfax High School for AZPreps365.com.

Betty H. Fairfax’s girls volleyball team broke its six-game losing streak by beating Metro Tech High School in a three-set road sweep on Thursday.

Even though the match only lasted three sets – 25-18, 25-20, 26-24 – it did not lack in dramatics as the Knights made the visitors work for every point and often took advantage of Stampede players' serving or hitting mistakes to remain within striking distance.

Fairfax took its first lead, 7-6, in the first set and did not relinquish it until the start of the third set. Metro Tech came out for the third and final set with renewed vigor. The hosts were in front for the majority of the set and it looked like they would push the game to a fourth set. However, the Stampede, led by junior Brooklyn Scott, completed a dramatic late, game-winning comeback to secure the victory.

“The reason why we were able to catch up and win that third set is because in our minds we were like we need to win this, we want to win this, and we are going to win this,” Scott said. “I think that mentality really helped us by staying confident, but not cocky, and just pushing to win.”

Scott stayed on the court nearly the entire game due to her leadership ability and immense talent. She was on fire, finishing the game with 13 kills as well as a trio of aces and blocks. 

Scott had help as nearly every Fairfax player contributed in a strong team effort. Junior Alexis Rosas had five kills, a block, three digs, and four aces, while senior Sophia Villa strung together five aces in a row, helping the Stampede get off to a fast start in the second set. 

Still dealing with absences of some key players, Fairfax coach Iman Isom called on a couple freshmen from the junior varsity squad. The newcomers also assisted in the winning effort.

“The freshmen I pulled up are strong and coachable and they listen,” Isom said. “ I just feel like the team figured it out and we did it together.” 

The Stampede needed this kind of performance to fend off coach Bryan Heckler’s pesky Knights team. Metro Tech senior libero Monica Gonzalez stood out for her team with five digs and three aces. Fellow senior Anahi Calderon notched five kills. Yet, their effort was not enough to prevent the Knights’ fourth straight defeat. 

“I thought that we played hard in the third set,” Heckler said. “We just need to work on finishing games, which is a big issue.” 

While Heckler cut a somber tone, Isom displayed the opposite after her team’s second league win of the season.

“I think we can win the rest of our games,” Isom said. “We may not be able to win the region, but if we win the rest of our games I feel like we still have a shot.” 

Betty H. Fairfax (4-12, 2-6) will host McClintock High School (12-4, 5-1) on Monday at 6 p.m.

Metro Tech (4-12, 3-4)  travels to McClintock on Friday at 6 p.m.