Austin Hurst is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Brophy Prep for AZPreps365.com

No. 7 Brophy volleyball made quick work of No. 16 Sunnyslope in a 3-0 sweep Friday, briefly falling behind in the third set, but staying in control to keep their perfect April alive.

Friday’s match marked the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. The first came on April 1, when Brophy dominated, shutting out the Vikings 3-0. The Broncos improved to 7-2 in conference play, while Sunnyslope dropped to 5-2.

The first set was tight, with Brophy edging out a 25-23 win. They widened the margin in the second, taking it 25-20, and then sealed the sweep with a commanding 25-16 victory. Since that game, the Broncos have won their last three while the Vikings won two but most recently dropped a game to Corona Del Sol, 3-0 on Wednesday. 

The squeaking of shoes echoed across the Robson Gymnasium court as anticipation built for the first serve, as fans from both sides filled the stands and energy steadily rose.

Both teams came into Friday with plenty to play for—Brophy aiming to extend their lead in the Central Region and build playoff momentum, while Sunnyslope looked to rebound from the midweek loss and get hot before the postseason.

The Broncos are led by standout freshman outside hitter Jonny Magro, who leads the team in both kills per set (2.9) and total kills (150), per MaxPreps.

“I feel like I am developing as a player, and the team has improved a lot since the start of the season,” Magro said. “Going into the playoffs, we will be really good.”

The game began with a Vikings serve that landed out of bounds, granting Brophy the 1-0 lead. Junior libero, Raja Patel, served first for the Broncos, and with the efforts from senior setter, Colin Zimmerman, the lead was extended to seven, resulting in a Vikings timeout.

Coming out from the timeout, Sunnyslope managed to get within three. Each point felt rejuvenating, as the roars of excited Vikings fans filled the gymnasium. Despite this, the Broncos still pulled away, closing out the first set 25-19. 

Brophy carried their momentum into the second set, as Junior libero, Jude Keane’s resilient save kept the rally and lead in the Broncos favor. Brophy would get out to a 9-4 lead, but the Vikings didn’t stop fighting. 

Sunnyslope pulled within one point multiple times down the stretch, but the Broncos kept playing hard even when the score got close, closing out the second set with a Keane serve that made contact with a Viking, leading to the final point.

Zimmerman, a vocal leader on the court, emphasized the team’s mindset in these tight moments.

“Really the biggest thing is staying calm,” he said. “We all know our abilities… staying confident, keeping everybody locked in for the next play and wanting the ball.”

Sunnyslope opened the third with their first lead of the night, but Brophy quickly responded. Any momentum the Vikings gained was met with resistance from the Broncos, who took full control and closed out the set 25-16 to complete the sweep.

The win helps maintain Brophy’s position within the AIA’s top eight, which would secure a home match for the first round of the playoffs. With four games left in the regular season, a few more wins could lock that in.

Broncos head coach, Tony Oldani, spoke about the team’s approach down the stretch.

“Our message is still the same: Focus on the areas where we excel at,” Oldani said. “We know we’re not an offensive juggernaut, so it's just figuring out ways to manufacture points behind that foundation.”

Brophy improves to 11-2, while Sunnyslope drops to 6-4 in conference play.