Chandler Gilbert foils home opener for volleyball
MESA, AZ- After suffering two road loses to open the season, the lady T-Birds were looking turn things around in their home opener against the win less Chandler-Gilbert Coyotes.
Just like the first two games of the season, Mesa started slowly in game one against the Coyotes. Exchanging leads for the first couple points but letting Chandler-Gilbert pull away with 25-17 win in the opening match.
Mesa then put things together in game two, led by setter Shelby Murphy(So., Show Low H.S.) who finished with a total of 18 assists for the T-Birds. Murphy not only set but was a part of many of the blocks. However, timely mistakes near the end of the st led to a Coyotes game two victory, 25-20.
Mesa, with their backs to the wall, relied on sophomore outside hitter Hannah Marang(So.,West Valley H.S.) to rally Mesa. Marang finished with 10 kills for MCC. Tia Kannapel (So, Fountain Hills H.S.), with Mesa down 5-7 to open game 3, rattled off seven straight points for the T-Birds while serving. Kannapel finished with two aces in the game as a server.
The T-Birds battled hard for a close game victory, 25-23.
But again, mistakes by Mesa opened up a big lead for Chandler-Gilbert in set four, The T-Birds forged a small rally but it wasn't enough and fell 25-21.
Mackenzie King (So., Campo Verde H.S.) finished with 10 blocks and Taylor Ka'alele (So., Henry J. Kaiser H.S.) and Chelsey Stover, pictured right,(Fr. St. David H.S.) both finished with 11 digs.
Mesa will be on the road tomorrow against Pima and then back home next Wednesday, September 10th, against the Phoenix Bears which will begin at 7 p.m.