The Red Mountain Mountain Lions were defeated by the Mesa Jackrabbits in a 6A East Valley volleyball matchup on Thursday night.

After six lead changes in both of the first two sets, Mesa came out on top 25-19 in each set. The third set was a close one, but the Jackrabbits clinched another victory 28-26. 

 Going back and forth for each point in the first set, Red Mountain began to pull away mid-set due to the effort and stream of kills by senior Makenna Fullford.

After a Mountain Lion timeout with the set being tied 19-19, Mesa’s senior captain Annie Hatch took matters into her own hands and led her team to the victory. 

Mesa began the second set with the same energy, jumping out to a 6-2 lead. Red Mountain responded quickly and tied up the set 10-10. It was close throughout, with both teams serving several aces.

However, an ace by Kate Hatch put the Jackrabbits up 20-17 and there was no turning back. The set was won by a Brooklin Carter block, putting the Jackrabbits up 2-0.

Red Mountain head coach Kristy Simmons was into the game on the bench encouraging her team between every point. 

“I’m not an angry coach. I’m not a yeller. So, if I’m going to yell it’s because I’m excited for you. So, I definitely take the time to make sure they know that I’m proud of them and I think that by laughing and being silly with them, they can then relax on the court and know that their coach loves them regardless," she said.

The Mountain Lions fought hard in the third set. Red Mountain found itself up by as much as five during the set. However, after multiple rallies and five opportunities to gain match point, the Mountain Lions couldn’t secure the win. 

Although Red Mountain was not victorious in tonight’s match, it can thank it's defense for keeping the sets close. 

“That was amazing. Their defense was incredible. We thought we had blocks and they dug them right up. But luckily we escaped,” said Strawn.

Simmons also had nothing but good things to say about her defense, praising her seniors for their defensive success.

“That’s something we focus on every day. We know that our defense is going to be our biggest threat to other teams so we are definitely working on that a lot,” said Simmons. 

The Mountain Lions fell to 4-16 and 1-3 in region play on Thursday night, but have the chance to get a region win on Tuesday against the Dobson Mustangs.