Tatiana Martinez is an ASU Cronkite Student of Journalism student assigned to cover Greenway for AZPreps365.com.

In the 2023 season, Greenway girls' volleyball had lost both region games against Thunderbird.

Heading into Wednesday's game, Greenway knew this was going to be a tough fight and were seeking the win. Head coach Sarah Peterson recognized that Thunderbird had powerful hitters who put up a big block at the net, and she noted that they entered this match with a positive attitude.

Overall, Greenway is 12-5, and in the 4A region section they are now 1-1, as they came off a win against Moon Valley coming into this match. On Wednesday night, Greenway girls volleyball battled, but unfortunately lost 25-16, 25-20, and 25-12. 

Thunderbird came with powerful serves and strong offense, as the outside hitters kept attacking Greenway. This though did not stop Greenway from being aggressive in the first and second set, as Greenway kept finding ways to pressure Thunderbird with certain tactics throughout the game. 

To start, the first set for Greenway created a good tone as the team appeared calm and focused. The rallies were going back and forth with back to back scores. Sophomore setter Haidyn Nelson, and Senior setter Tatum Peterson lead this set for their team as they put up good sets and were covering their players well at the net. 

Unfortunately, Thunderbird put up tough serves for Greenway, creating miscommunication with passing for the back row. 

“In this game we needed to make sure we were covering our hitters and I honestly think we did a really good job with that tonight," Peterson said.

The team knew this matchup was not going to be easy and worked hard to put up points in any way that they could. 

"What worked for us was hitting cut shots to the short corners and sending deep balls as they liked to play forward in the court," Greenway outside hitter Karissa Heenan said.

Using this strategy allowed the team to earn points in the second set of a close match. Heenan scored three consecutive points, all from kills, which helped build momentum. Tatum Peterson then capitalized on this momentum, recording five kills and an ace, propelling her team through the closely contested score.

“We had a chance to win that second set and it was honestly just getting our blocks closed and being on our toes and ready in our defensive spots that solidifies how good our passing is," Junior libero Eden Castro said. "They just have really good hitters but overall I think we played well.” 

After falling five points short in the second set, Greenway had now lost their momentum in the middle of the third set as they were making little mistakes. They were hitting balls out, swinging into the net, and struggled on serve receive. 

“Thunderbird is tough in our region and I honestly think we were right there with them in the first two sets," Peterson said. "I think we need to make a few more adjustments coming into the next that would give us a chance.” 

Peterson knows what this team is capable of and explains that her players work hard and are always willing to give it their all now matter who they play and that they are excited to see what the rest of the season will bring.