By Don Ketchum

Phoenix Scottsdale Christian is ready for the Division IV volleyball state tournament that begins Nov. 1.

The fifth-seeded Eagles made that evident on Thursday (Oct. 25), rallying from an opening-set loss to top-seeded visiting Chandler Valley Christian to win the next three sets.

The scores were 19-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-15.

Seedings for the state tournament, to be held at Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, will be announced on Saturday (Oct. 27).

Valley Christian (26-10) could drop from the No. 1 seed and Scottsdale Christian (24-4) could move up a spot or two. Defending champion Phoenix Northwest Christian could slip into the top spot.

Whatever the scenario, Scottsdale Christian coach Julie Southwick said her team will be prepared for whatever comes along.

A key moment on Tuesday night came late in the third set with Valley Christian threatening to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

The officials reversed a call and gave Scottsdale Christian a point, and the Eagles rallied for the two-point triumph.

“Regardless of the call, we were able to get our momentum back,’’ Southwick said. “It was good momentum.

“We teach the girls to give all-out effort all the time, pushing for everything. Times like those are what can give you the momentum.’’

She is pleased with how the season has turned out thus far.

“It has been a consistent season,’’ she said. “We have had a lot of mental toughness, which has helped us through what few rollercoaster moments we have had.’’

The Eagles will try to smooth out a few rough edges in the next week, such as serves and receiving serves.

“We need to get the ball up and run our offense to be effective,’’ Southwick said.

The Eagles have a strong player up front in senior Lauren Homrich and a good setter and back-row player in Homrich’s sister, freshman libero Anna Homrich, but Southwick said she gets production out of every player on her roster.

“We feel we can put any of them in any position and they will do well,’’ she said.