In a 2A Conference, Metro West Region matchup, the Scottsdale Christian Academy Eagles downed the Scottsdale Preparatory Academy Spartans 25-12, 25-18, 30-28 Tuesday to remain undefeated in their region.

“We knew that Scottsdale Prep was exceptional at blocking,” Scottsdale Christian coach Dr. Joanna Settles said. “We knew this was a tough game.”

Dr. Settles was right, as the Spartans recorded 20 solo blocks and 10 assisted blocks, but that’s all that seemed to go right for the Spartans. 

Scottsdale Preparatory couldn’t seem to get anything going in the first set because of serve and attack errors. The Spartans defense had a tough time also, allowing the Eagles to go on two runs of five points or more. 

To start the second set, the Eagles continued their dominance, jumping out to a commanding 7-1 lead thanks to an ace by sophomore outside hitter Lauren Ohlinger and some miscommunication by the Spartans. The Spartans didn’t roll over during the second set, though.  

After being down 24-13, they managed to get on a roll and score five straight points, two of which were aces by sophomore Anna Hague. But Lexi Schamadan, a junior outside hitter for the Eagles, slammed the set-winning point between two Spartan defenders. 

With one chance left to get on the board, the Spartans rose to the occasion and went up 15-8 in the third set, but instead of closing the game, they let the Eagles back in. The determined Eagles scored eight straight points late to jump ahead 24-22.

But the Spartans (18-5 overall, 4-2 region) continued to persevere and put the game into a win-by-two situation but couldn’t close out the set, as Schamadan again notched another set-winning kill.

Schamadan didn’t take all the credit, saying, “We had a beautiful dig in the back row and an amazing set from Bekah [Richardson], and it all tied in.”

Schamadan recorded 18 kills in 31 attempts, three aces, and one solo and one assisted block for a total of 22.5 points.

“I thought Scottsdale Christian was a really good team, one of the best teams we’ve played all year,” said Scottsdale Prep coach Kyle Boron. “In the end, I think my team gave it their best.”

Currently ranked third in their division, the Eagles (16-3 overall, 5-0 section) haven't dropped a set in their region and are hearing whispers about being state championship contenders. 

“We have what we need to be able to do that,” said Dr. Settles about winning a state title. “There's some tough teams out there, so we just have to continue to improve and come every day ready to play.”