Londun Christensen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Phoenix Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

After Phoenix Christian was swept by 2A defending champion Phoenix Country Day on Wednesday, the Cougars (3-3) are looking to bounce back at Mayer on Friday.

Phoenix Christian is approaching its matchup against the Wildcats (1-8) without taking them for granted.

“The goal for us is always to come out strong," said Phoenix Christian head coach Lyndee Johnson. “I'm trying to get us to win in three versus five. We are always playing catchup.”

Phoenix Christian’s service strengths could take them far in the match.

Senior outside hitter Jacqueline Vega De La Cruz is also optimistic about the match.

“I treat it like every other game. If we push ourselves and play how we always play I feel like we can win.” 

Before each match, Johnson uplifts the team's spirit by leading a daily devotional to motivate the girls.

This week, Johnson explained they are focusing on the mind and the mouth. 

“We want to think positive and encouraging thoughts about each other,” Johnson said. “We speak life over each other."

Another pregame ritual is dancing to get them loose. 

“We hype each other up. We have a dance that we do.” Cruz explained. “We do our dances, we pray, and we do a team talk.”

In this match, Phoenix Christian plans to continue strengthening their communication skills and leaving with another road win.

“We use hand signals, we're always communicating,” junior setter Serenity Manuel said. “We work together.” 

As the season progresses, the team's camaraderie has become its greatest assist.

"They're bonding, you can see it on the court. They just keep getting stronger and stronger.” Johnson shared.