​​Hana Kaufman is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Mountain High School for AZPreps365.com

From the moment Desert Mountain stepped on the court for warmups, they were driven to show their best effort in the match.

The wolves regrouped Tuesday to shutout Arizona College Prep 3-0 after losing 3-1 against Notre Dame Prep on Monday. 

Showing its motivation to win, Desert Mountain started strong, earning the first point and attacking in the first few minutes. Although the Wolves were leading the first set, the team lost its focus when the Knights called an early timeout. After a few plays, Desert Mountain regained its momentum, playing confidently and taking several back-to-back plays.

“I think we do a good job with communication. We push it. We stress it. Whether you’re on the bench or in the game, whatever you do, you need to be cheering and engaged, you need to be communicative. It makes a big difference when we’re all connected,” said Head Coach Dana Achtzehn. 

Desert Mountain remained positive entering the second set, showcasing significant kills and blocks. Rory Tower, who is the Middle Blocker, dominated in this set, creating a loud environment for the rest of the team.

“I love these girls and I love getting to play with them. Getting an opportunity to get kills and blocks just for my team, it’s a great feeling,” said Rory.

Rory played a crucial part in Desert Mountain taking the second set. Many players made contributions, including Regan Tower who had an electric kill that rallied momentum.

“Regan looked great! She was hitting high off the hands, not getting blocked. She did her job. Great job keeping the ball in play and really helping the team tonight,” said Rory.

In the third set, not only did Ava Archibald contribute to Desert Mountain’s large number of kills, but the Tower sisters celebrated together by dancing and chanting. 

“Regan is my best friend. We do everything together. It’s honestly been a blessing. This is the first time I’ve gotten to play with her this season and it has been so much fun,” said Rory.

Their connection was shown on the court in multiple ways, including supporting Archibald who was aggressive and put pressure on the Knights, causing the team to take a timeout.

“My Coach Jake told me to swing at every ball because it doesn't matter if I hit it 20 feet out, as long as I’m trying and being aggressive. Half the time when you swing, it’s going to be a kill or in the court, someone’s going to shake it,” said Archibald, Desert Mountain’s Outside Hitter. 

Archibald felt confident taking her swings, knowing that she had her teammates in her corner if something went wrong.

“Rory tells me, I have your back if you have mine. Communicating with my teammates is good so I know I can trust them on the court to back me up,” said Archibald. 

Rory and Archibald’s communication was seen from the benches, from both the players and by Achtzehn.

“I think everyone was a star player today. I think Ava had a really good game. At times it wasn’t the prettiest looking thing and she still stayed with it. Anyone can do well when it looks really good and everything is perfect, but the good ones can score when everything is not perfect. And she did a really good job of scoring today when everything wasn’t perfect. Rory always does a great job for us energy wise,” said Achtzehn.

Energy is what keeps the team going, something that both of the Towers embody. Their spirit is contagious to the rest of the players.

“I tell my team to do your job, keep fighting and play together. That’s something that’s really important to us, to come together. And playing the sport we love, I mean, this is great. So as long as we do our jobs and stay together, we’re unbeatable,” said Rory.