The University of Arizona and Ironwood Ridge hosted the first high school “pairs” competition in Arizona. The CatBox Classic featured athletes from Xavier Prep, Salpointe, Chaparral, Ironwood Ridge, Corona del Sol and Notre Dame.

Program was challenged more this year, however.

Sand volleyball: Chaparral over Salpointe in first-ever meeting

More teams signed up for sand volleyball this season, but the state title still belongs to Xavier Prep.

No. 1 seed was awarded to two-time defending state champ.

First night competition on the schedule.

She and California teammate won sand volleyball event to qualify for Youth Olympic Games in 2014.

Star players from different west coast states have teamed up on the sand volleyball circuit, adding another sport to their lists of conquests.

Check out photos from Wednesday's state sand volleyball scene.

The volleyball team finished undefeated in the second season of the pilot sport.

Eight-team tournament to be played Tuesday and Wednesday at Victory Lane Sports Complex in Glendale.

Coach has run up eight state titles coaching boys and girls volleyball

Xavier's Tim McHale is stepping down as volleyball coach after the season.

The 6-foot-1 Mertz is developing into one of the state's more versatile players.