Desert Christian junior Rikki Adams at the net. (Andy Morales/AZPreps365.com)

It’s been a slow but steady rise for the Wolves of St. Augustine, from a 4-12 record in 2014 and dead last in section play, to 15-2 and 10-0 this fall. St. Augustine is currently ranked No. 16 but is sure to move up a bit after blanking Miami 3-0 on Thursday night.

No. 23 Miami is now 7-2 in region play but the Vandals need not worry about being on the playoff bubble, by the rules of the 2A Conference, the Vandals are in the play-in tournament scheduled to begin on Thursday, Oct. 26. because the team finished in second place in the region.

Also by rule, St. Augustine will advance directly to the state tournament, slated to start on Friday, Nov. 3.

No. 32 Desert Christian (5-4) is running out of time with only two matches left in the regular season but this is a team, like St. Augustine from a few years ago, built for next year.

The Eagles swept No. 37 San Carlos Thursday night and standouts such as junior outside Annie Fennema (10 kills and four blocks) will be the cornerstone of a team sure to battle for the top position next fall.

“We are getting our feet under us and the future looks promising,” Fennema said. “We are rebuilding and, I’d have to say, our coach is the best I have ever personally had. He has given us specific direction and has a personal relationship with all of us. He has been very effective.”

Mark Kornachuk is the third coach in three years for the Eagles, and even though the team fell from first is the region last year to third in his first year, there seems to be a sense of optimism. The 10-0 team from last year graduated five seniors and there is only one senior on the squad this year.

In the 2A East Region, No. 4 Thatcher beat No. 8 Pima 3-1 Thursday night to claim the region title. Pima will finish in second place.