Sahuaro is a lock to make the Division II state tournament but the Cougars would like to go in as a higher seed and maybe even host a match or two. Ranked No. 7 heading into their match against No. 18 Tucson on Friday, the Cougars knew a loss would make that almost impossible.

Despite constant pressure from the Badgers, Sahuaro prevailed 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 26-24) to keep those hopes alive. 

As the close scores indicate, Tucson was competitive in each set and the Badgers actually led the second set 20-16 before giving up a 9-3 run at the end. The Badgers also pushed the third set to a 24-24 tie before falling 26-24. For head coach Amanda Larriva, the closeness of the scores without a win was indicative of their season.

“We started the year off strong with regular season wins and we built team chemistry at our first two tournaments,” Larriva explained.

“However, we have struggled with commitment issues, eligibility issues and an unfortunate injury since the end of the third quarter. Through it all my boys have kept their heads up and have tried their best to push through and win. Even without a full starting lineup we have kept up with, and barely lost to, many of the top teams in our division,” she added.

“I am very proud to coach these boys. They are hardworking, hustle every day and have shown great strength while facing adversity.”

Sahuaro (17-6) middle Brendan Gary recorded seven kills in the win and he credits team chemistry for the success on the court but it all began with practice.

“We are strong defensively,” Gary said. “We take practice seriously for the most part and we are all coachable. When we play we play as a team.”

Gary is impressed with the play of section rival Cienega (24-10) and he feels the Bobcats might have what it takes to win state. Cienega clinched the sectional championship on Thursday with a win over Rincon.

Sahuaro and Rincon (17-11) will meet on Tuesday to close out the regular season.  The stakes will once again be high with each team hoping to improve their raking status.

Tucson (16-16) is most likely out of the state playoffs but the Badgers will face Catalina at home on Tuesday where they will say goodbye to six seniors including outside Devin Strayhorn and team captain Emilio Anaya.

Anaya finished with a game-high 12 kills to go along with 12 assists while Strayhorn had nine kills and nine digs. Sophomore Cristofer Lopez had 22 assists and eight kills.

Cameron Detwiler led Sahuaro with nine kills and Gary had his seven. Spencer DePaso had 36 assists.