In a lengthy season that saw Chaparral volleyball finish 33-11 and make a state quarterfinal run, Amber Stivrins leapt onto the scene to become a vital part of Chaparral’s success.

She’s only a sophomore but played in more than 80 sets, including two of the biggest sets this season. They came in the Nike Tournament of Champions against Notre Dame Prep in which Stivrins led her team with eight kills during the two-set sweep.

Her efforts were also needed in a high-stakes match against the Paradise Valley Trojans. Once again Stivirins led the team in kills — this time with a dozen — and helped close out a set with three consecutive aces, leading the Firebirds to a 3-0 victory.

“Obviously she can terminate the ball and she’s more dynamic at doing that,” Firebirds head coach Amanda Burbridge said. “She takes sets that are less likely to be terminated and figures out how to score the point.”

In 83 sets, Stivrins finished with a team-high 336 kills on the season (4.1 kills per set). She also tied for second in aces, highlighting her versatility.

“(Stivrins) is very steady, and all the other girls can lean on her whether they’re up or down,” Chaparral assistant coach Mike Anonucci said.

This includes the passing game.

“Amber is one of our best passers, so she allows for our other attackers to be successful,” Burbridge.

With only 18 dig errors and 226 successful digs, Stivrins managed to also keep the ball alive the whole season.

Stivrins said she credits the on and off the court interaction with her teammates for helping the group and her grow despite an early “rough” start.

The strong bond led to a positive finish, as the Firebirds finished with their best record in more than five years.