Winning a state championship never gets old for Xavier Prep, but besides claiming another title Wednesday, three-time defending state sand volleyball champ Xavier Prep also was glad to see other teams making strides.

The all girls private school in Phoenix hadn’t lost a match and had dropped only two games in the past three seasons, heading into this week’s state tournament. But two of Xavier Prep’s opponents were each able to steal a game this week during the state tournament at Victory Lane Sports Complex in Glendale.

But that’s all Xavier Prep was willing to concede during its 5-0 state semifinal and championship victories against Queen Creek and Scottsdale Prep, respectively. Fountain Hills played Xavier Prep in the previous two state finals, but Scottsdale Prep upended Fountain Hills 4-1 this year in the semifinals.  

“We are blessed to be No. 1 again,” Xavier Prep coach Matt Rogers said. “But it was nice to see the sport growing and the teams improving. That’s the most important thing. (Assistant coaches) Tim McHale and Paige Rogers and I were pleased to see the improvement and the level of play.”

Winning Wednesday’s title allowed Xavier Prep to sweep the state volleyball titles this year.

It’s indoor team won the Division I championship in the fall. These are the players who helped Xavier Prep bring home the spring sand volleyball title home this season:

No.1 seeded team Natalie Braun and Claire Coppola

No. 2 Lexi Ham and Kristen Largay

No. 3 Cierra Flood and Kelly Andrew

No. 4 Kasie Thompson and Alexandria Giannini

No. 5 Ainsley Ramsey and Macy Gordon