By Don Ketchum

Make no mistake – Phoenix Veritas Prep is very, very good in girls volleyball.

The Falcons won two of the last three Class 1A titles, including last season, and appear to be headed toward capturing the first title in Arizona’s new Division V (equivalent of 1A).

Veritas showed why with a 25-22, 25-15, 25-8 sweep of host Phoenix Christian on Thursday night (Sept. 8).

Led by Wes Goodwin, the program’s third coach in as many seasons, Veritas had all it could handle in the first game. Veritas fell in a 0-3 hole, came back to build a large lead but was still tied at 21. The Falcons scored four of the final five points.

Goodwin agreed that the close game got the attention of his players, most of whom are regulars on the club volleyball circuit.

“You can’t get too ahead of yourself,’’ said Goodwin, who coached some of Veritas’ younger teams last season and previously has coached at Cave Creek Cactus Shadows. “We just tried to play fundamental volleyball and settle down. We try to play our style of volleyball, play together and not take anything for granted.’’

Phoenix Christian, which was swept by Veritas a week ago and formerly was in Class 2A, stayed close due to the power serve of Nakia Stuckey. Veritas regained its footing and solved the serve.

Veritas had some good servers as well. The most noteworthy was sophomore Sarah Sponcil, whose sister, Rebecca, was a key player for the team as a senior last season and now is redshirting as a freshman at Regis College in Denver.

Sarah Sponcil has the power serve, tossing the ball high into the air, seemingly near the ceiling. She has a softer serve, placing the ball often where opponents are not set up.

The serve isn’t the only part of her game. She can set up teammates for kills with nice touch passes and can make the kill herself with regularity. She is a natural left-hander and kills the ball with that hand, but she also serves and can kill the ball with her right hand.

“She is scary,’’ said her father, Veritas assistant coach Wayne Sponcil.

Sarah Sponcil is considered a team leader, but there are two others who fit in that category, according to Goodwin – senior Teresa Heiler and junior Ashley Anderson.

“Teresa is very vocal. She brings a lot of energy,’’ Goodwin said. “Ashley is one of our most consistent players.’’