Ike Everard is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler High School.

The atmosphere inside the Chandler High auxiliary gym was raucous but the host Wolves trailed by 10.

Instead of the blue and white faithful filling the small, sweaty building with noise, it was the purple-clad supporters of Mesa. The House of Payne Tournament takes place every year at Chandler but rarely rewards the home team.

“There’s always that pressure put on you to be one of the winning teams at the tournament you host,” junior middle blocker Monet Whittier said. “But it hasn’t really worked out that way since we’ve been here.”

On this Saturday morning, the result was no different. After a quick defeat at the hands of top-ranked Chaparral, the Wolves started strong against the Jackrabbits.

Junior setter Taylor Aguano led the way with her energetic play and flashy dives.

“She’s been working super hard and running around like crazy,” head coach Bobby Robson said. “She’s been a positive force for our team for a couple years now.”

Despite the best efforts of Whittier and Aguano, Mesa fought back. After a bad bounce off the ceiling tied the score at 3-3, the Jackrabbits pulled away.

Aguano and senior Isabella Glass fought hard to keep the Wolves within reach, but three straight points for Mesa ended the set 25-19.

The flashes shown by Chandler throughout the first set were more evident in the second but problems remained.

“A big thing overall is that our consistency is not very good,” Robson said.

For a second, it appeared as if the Wolves had figured it all out. After a huge spike by junior Taylor Neil off a set from Aguano, the house was rocking and Chandler led by two.

“It’s important to really try for the people that come to support us and not just lay down and give up,” Whittier said.

But the lack of consistency resurfaced. With the game tied at 17, Mesa scored four straight times leading to a timeout.

Robson’s message to the team was brief but to the point.

“We have to remember that things we’ve talked about need to be applied not just at 0-0 but throughout the entire set,” Robson said.

The Wolves scored quickly out of the break. But as soon as the rally began, it was over with Mesa scoring four to quickly put the set and match away 25-18.

“Service broke down a bit and we started to hit some balls out of bounds that we shouldn’t have,” Robson said.

Still Robson saw bright spots.

“It’s opportunities to get better and I’m liking our effort,” Robson said. “Our will to win is good. Now it’s just about executing and wanting to do things throughout an entire match.”

Added Whittier: "Focus on ourselves, not on the other side. I like to think that we all make an impact and I don’t like to say it’s just a couple people. It’s really a team effort between all of us.”