Londun Christensen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

Phoenix Christian lost at home to the 2A conference's fourth-ranked Rancho Solano Prep in straight sets (25-16, 25-18, 25-18) on Friday.

The Cougars' (5-7) high energy and perseverance kept the score close against the Mustangs (19-14) the entire match. 

Rancho Solano started the first set on a 3-0 run before the Cougars tied them at 4-4, and several other knotted scores thereafter. 

Phoenix Christian kept the ball in play with good rallies and strong defensive skills. 

“It's one of our last games so it's definitely nerve-racking,” Phoenix Christian senior Noi Andrean said.

“They're a good team, and we are missing two of our players.” senior captain Melanie Selamu added. “We did good. We rallied, and I had so much fun."

Selamu had the most kills Friday night. 

The score remained close through most of the following sets, but Rancho eventually pulled away after both teams reached the 18-point mark.

Rancho senior libero Lily Payan expressed that their team mindset is everything. 

"We play our hearts out,” Payan said.

Phoenix Christian has three regular season home games left as they try to get above .500 and make the postseason. The Cougars will have Senior Night for their final home match against Northland Prep on Monday at 6:00 p.m.