The Mesa Jackrabbits stayed hot in their in their three-set victory over the Dobson Mustangs, 25-11, 25-20, 27-25, Wednesday night at Mesa.

 

The Jackrabbits jumped out to an early lead and took advantage of a few Dobson errors before winning the first set, 25-11.

 

After the first set, Dobson’s coach tried to fire his team up. “I told them to be a little more mindful,” coach William Robinson said.  “I felt like we weren’t really locked in and ready to play.”

 

In the second set, it was much more competitive, but Annie Hatch, Mesa’s senior captain, took over.

 

Dobson executed early, jumping out to a 12-11 lead, but for the rest of the set it was all Hatch. She had three kills in a run that gave Mesa an 18-13 lead, including a thunderous kill that left the Dobson crowd in awe, en route to a 25-20 win.

 

“I have coached Annie for the last four years,” Robinson said.  “Her volleyball IQ is one of the highest in the state, and she’s super coachable.  That girl is going to go as far as she wants.”

 

The Mustangs did not roll over in the third set.

 

Junior Bailey Kemper had a few kills for the Mustangs in a set that saw 11 lead changes and a few rallies that had the crowd cheering at every touch of the ball.

 

The Jackrabbits jumped over the Mustangs 27-25, to improve their record to 19-8 overall and 3-0 in region play.

 

“It’s just a start,” Mesa coach Amy Strawn said.  “We are fortunate to be 3-0. We have seven more.”

 

Hatch, who has committed to Iowa State, isn’t content with the 3-0 start.

 

“Its definitely a good start,” Hatch said.  “Its nice to have these wins already so we don’t have to worry about it later on.”

 

Mesa will bring its hot streak into the Nike Tournament of Champions, featuring some of the nations top teams.

 

“Its always great to play against some top teams from around the country,’ Strawn said.   “The team we're playing from Florida is stacked with Division 1 talent, so thats always exciting.”

 

“We play some good teams,” Hatch said.  “The key is to keep getting better. Those teams make us better, and to fight as hard as you can.”

After a slow start to the season, Mesa really picked it up, winning 15 of its last 18 games.

 

“We know with our record, most of the schools aren’t going to roll over,” Strawn said.  “They’re going to bring their best.”

 

The upcoming part of the schedule will prove critical for Mesa, with seven of the last eight games being section matches.

 

Mesa (19-8) faces off against Oviedo (FL), on Friday in the Nike Tournament of Champions.