Xiomara Clarke is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Madison Highland Prep for AZPreps365.com

The Scottsdale Prep Spartans swept the Madison Highland Heat 25-12, 25-8, 25-12 in a 2A Central regional matchup, continuing their push to make the playoffs.

While Scottsdale Prep won their last away match 3-0 versus Red Rock, Madison Highland was defeated again 3-0 in their last home match.

Going back to this matchup, the Spartans opened with a 3-0 lead to start the first set. Senior outside hitter Sophia Ryken had 13 out of the Spartans’ 34 kills in the game.

Scottsdale Prep freshman libero Sophia Lee said she thinks their team did “amazing.”

“We really worked well together,” Lee said. “Our team likes to thrive off of each other’s energy, so I think that really helped us with the win.”

Although Madison Highland fought back with a 4-0 run midway through the set, Scottsdale Prep controlled the board and closed out the set. 

Scottsdale Prep coach Daniel Chen said that the team had been working on their service game prior to this match.

“I think they came in with a lot of energy,” Chen said. “We just have to make sure that we control what’s happening on our side at all times.” 

The second set contained a similar script, as the Spartans began with a 5-0 run. Their aggressive performance led to a Heat timeout.

After the timeout, Madison Highland scored a point off a Scottsdale Prep service error, but was held to only 8 points in the set. 

Lailee Sotelo, a sophomore middle hitter, said that the team has been struggling with their communication throughout the season.

“We just need more practice,” Sotelo said.

In the third set, Madison Highland was able to get back in the game, trading off points with Scottsdale Prep early, and erasing an early deficit to tie the score 7. However, the Spartans answered with another run, pulling away 18-10 after a back-and-forth rally between the two teams. The Spartans were able to remain consistent in their offensive efforts and win the set 25-12. 

Sotelo said the setters did a good job at getting the ball to her and the hitters to get important points. 

“We have to keep our minds focused and just have fun with it,” Sotelo said. 

This regional matchup places Scottsdale Prep in third place in the Central region and Madison Highland in fourth.

Chen said this win propels the team to a .500 record.

“We just gotta push our way through,” Chen said.

For Madison Highland, coach Daria Spane said her players defeated themselves more than Scottsdale Prep did.

“I definitely think we could’ve done a lot better,” Spane said.

Spane said that her team improved at adjusting to its defense faster in this match, but continues to emphasize the next game mentality to her team.

“In the third set, we came out a lot stronger than usual,” Spane said. “ We have to work on finishing with that same intensity.” 

“It is what it is, we lost, but we’ll have to just come out stronger in our next region match,” Spane said.