Matthew Singer is a Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Rancho Solano Prep for AZPreps365.com

Scottsdale, AZ – The Rancho Solano Mustangs celebrated another win Monday night, sweeping the Sedona Red Rock Scorpions. This victory was notable for having 25 aces.

The Mustangs beat the Scorpions, 25-11, 25-9, 25-12, in a convincing effort from start to finish in win number seven for Rancho Solano.

In the first set, the Mustangs went on a 7-0 run early to make it 9-3 and never relinquished the lead. The Mustangs had eight aces in the first set, including four straight by sophomore Olivia Novac en route to the 25-11 win.

“We did a lot of serving in practice,” Mustangs team captain Miley Avenell said. “We also put a lot of pressure on ourselves at practice so we can do better in-game.” 

Avenell finished with six kills and four aces and was a big part of winning the first set, and the game, for the Mustangs.

In the second set, the Mustangs once again went on an early 6-0 run, building a 8-2 lead, which they never gave up. The Mustangs also finished the set on a 6-0 run characterized by three straight aces by Novac once again. The Mustangs finished with nine aces in the second set and won 25-9.

“I thought they did a really good job of going on serve runs,” Mustangs coach Marissa Morah said. “It is something we have struggled to do the entire season but I think they have learned that it pays off.”

In the third set, the Mustangs struggled a little bit out of the gate, holding a slim 7-6 lead, thanks to two kills and one ace from Scorpions senior Sierra Williams, who finished with four kills and three aces.

The tight start to the third set prompted a timeout by Morah. The Mustangs then finished the set on an 18-6 run, including three straight aces by sophomore Sofia Smith to win the set 25-12. Smith finished with three kills and eight aces.

The Scorpions finished with just nine aces to the Mustangs’ 25 and struggled throughout the game on many different facets.

“We just got to pass better,” Scorpions coach John Parks said. “We need more reps.”

“I thought we did a really good job of maintaining our level of volleyball and not playing to their level,” Avenell said.

Despite the convincing victory, Avenell believes her team can build on Monday night’s performance.

“We can talk a little more and play for each other a little more,” Avenell said. “Communication is key.”

“Taking care of free balls a little bit more and communicating when the ball is in between two people,” Morah said. “Just being more confident in those types of situations.”

Rancho Solano Prep (7-2, 2-0) will travel to Fountain Hills (4-3, 0-0) at 6 p.m. Tuesday before taking their school’s fall break. Sedona Red Rock (0-5, 0-3) will travel to Madison Highland Prep (4-3, 0-1) at 6 p.m. Wednesday.