Conor McGill is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier College Prep for AZPreps365.com

 

The Xavier College Prep girls’ volleyball team was swept by the Hamilton Huskies in three sets Thursday.

The rivalry game usually would have fans packed in the stands, but this year was different as players were only allowed two people each into the game. 

Hamilton came into the game having lost to undefeated Perry in five sets and looked strong in every set, winning 25-21, 25-19, 25-16. 

Outside hitter Jordan Middleton and libero Tatum Thomas were standouts for the Huskies. Middleton had 16 kills and Thomas 21 digs.

On the other side of the court, the Gators’ communication seemed to be a problem, as the team had trouble getting early points. Despite the loss, the Gators still put up decent numbers as setter Alexa Shiner had 25 assists and libero Kaori Robertson 24 digs. 

“I think our communicating and max effort was what we lacked because it seemed like we were a little timid and scared and that’s not Xavier Prep volleyball,” Xavier head coach Lamar Bryant said. 

The Huskies came out with early leads in the opening sets and never looked back. Xavier had good rallies in the second set which put it up by as much as four at one point but would fall at the end as the Huskies took advantage of their momentum. 

Despite the loss, the Gators look forward to improving heading into the second half of the conference season.  

“For us to compete at a high level with teams with an offensive nature were going to have to do a lot better communication in the back row and serve a lot tougher,” Bryant said. “When we serve tough we can get on a five-point run, but when we serve a free ball they’re going to hit over our blocker and we’re in trouble. We’ve just got to work on our serve and pass game and we will be good to go.”

Xavier and Hamilton compete in the 6A Premier Conference, which should have an intriguing conference race. The Gators will look to get back on track next week when they face non-conference opponents Mountain View and Liberty High.