By Don Ketchum

PRESCOTT VALLEY – Thatcher knocked Phoenix Northwest Christian out of the Class 2A state volleyball tournament the last two years, and the Crusaders weren’t about to let it happen again.

Northwest Christian dominated the first two games (25-15, 25-15) of Saturday night’s championship match at Tim’s Toyota Center, then gutted out the third game 25-22 for a three-game sweep. Northwest Christian was seeded second, Thatcher No. 1.

Northwest Christian coach Beth Lemke said she was a little surprised that hear team won relatively easily, given Thatcher’s strength, but knew her players were determined to earn the title trophy.

“Tonight was our night,’’ Lemke said.

“We have seven seniors who have been on the varsity since they were sophomores, and they weren’t going to allow it (being knocked out) to happen again. They all have a good work ethic.’’

The Crusaders finished with a 29-8 overall record. Most of the losses were to Class 5A and 4A schools in tournaments, according to Lemke.

“I’m pleased with the performance of everyone,’’ Lemke said. “The leadership, the unselfishness, the confidence . . . I had the confidence to put any of them out there at any time.’’