Maddux Burks is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Vista High School for AZPreps365.com

When the East and West come together, it usually results in a loss for West-side Valley Vista. But the Monsoon welcome the challenge. With strong chemistry and commitment, the Monsoon, 8-1, will face the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs, 6-2, on Monday, accepting a challenge five years in the making.

This season, Valley Vista is extra grateful to be able to hit the court. Despite experiencing a new type of stress due to COVID-19 precautions, the Monsoon are more committed than ever to giving their games 100%. Assistant coach Heather Webb couldn’t be more proud.

“They have risen to the occasion,” she said. “I’m excited for what our girls are capable of.”

After their nail-biting win against Pinnacle High School last Tuesday, they are hyper-focused on utilizing their biggest asset against Sunrise Mountain: team chemistry. Through team picnics on the weekends and post-win breakfasts, the team has become their own family.

“We’re a lot closer on and off the court,” junior setter Kailin Katena said. “I think that chemistry definitely helps us… we trust each other and love each other, so we play as a family.”

Their bond grew hand-in-hand with their talent. Valley Vista has won over 70% of their games in 3-0 sets, clearly showing their ability to finish strong. “[We’re] earning our points, finishing a play, and [have] solid defense,” senior right-side hitter Emma Webb said. “Our team is developed and full of skill. We’ve got what it takes [to win].”

Although the Monsoon and the Mustangs haven’t crossed paths since 2015, the unfamiliar lineup is still a good matchup against Valley Vista's tall front row and strong team mentality, Katena said. Before every game, the girls set goals for the team. These “inspirationals” get the team on the right mindset for the game, Katena said. Against Sunrise Mountain, this is this biggest thing. Refusing to let each other worry about the opponent will give Valley Vista the upper hand. Senior outside hitter Aliyah Moore communicated this reminder perfectly.

“We need to play the team, not the name,” Moore said at practice.

After beating Pinnacle, the Monsoon are now ranked #8 in the state. The end of the season is just five short games away. The window of opportunity to raise that ranking is getting smaller, forcing Valley Vista to keep their energy up.

“Our attitude and our energy are what brings us up, and what helps us to most likely succeed,” sophomore middle blocker Dafne Zamora said. And her teammates agree. Senior setter Hannah Ferreira, whose good energy ensures good assists on the court, echoed that.

“A lot of pressure comes with [the position], but…. My players count on me,” she said.

Ironically, the Monsoon energy seems to peak away from their home court. The visiting bench cheers a little louder, and with passion. It means a little more for a home team to watch you win in their gym. “You wanna come in and show them where you’re from and what you’re made of,” Katena said.

Their trust and energy, combined with their offense, defense and new-found consistency in serving, create a lineup stacked with skill. The Monsoon defense adjusts quickly to the opposing team, and the outside hitters spike sharp balls into holes on the opposite court. “We work hard for every point we get,” Ferreira said.

Against Sunrise Mountain, their goal is clear: to win. “We’re gonna go out there with confidence and work hard the whole game like we have been,” Ferreira said.

A win against Sunrise Mountain would put Valley Vista one step closer to their post-season aspirations- a destination every young athlete hopes to reach, and the Monsoon intend to pave their own avenue.

“They’re not stuck in status quo. They don’t want to be just status quo, they really want an opportunity to make it to playoffs and go to state,” Heather Webb said.