Scottsdale Sweeps Mesa

October 25, 2013

Staff Writer Chris Hodges

It wasn't always pretty Friday night in Heaps Gym, but at this point of the season Head Coach Regina Mannix and her team will take a win any way they can get one. Coming off a two match losing streak the Artichokes (18-5) were looking to get some momentum rolling their way with only two matches left before tournament play begins. They left with a solid 25-21, 25-23, 25-11 sweep of the T-Birds.

Scottsdale jumped out to a lead early in the first set and capitalized on some Mesa miscues to stay ahead of the T-Birds. Mesa's biggest threat came with the score 22-17 Artichokes. Mesa then rattled off 4 points in a row to get to 22-21 before the 'Chokes subdued the threat and closed out the set 25-21.

Early in the second set with SCC leading 3-1 Mesa went on a 4-0 run to take the lead 5-3. Mesa eventually extended the lead to 12-8 forcing Coach Mannix to use her first timeout. Following the timeout Scottsdale rallied to within one at 13-12 forcing Mesa to use its first timeout. Coming out the T-Birds exploded out front to take an 18-12 lead and looked poised to tie up the match at one set a piece. However, Scottsdale responded getting back to within one at 19-18 forcing another Mesa timeout. Unable to capitalize on the momentum coming out of the timeout Scottsdale found itself down 21-18. In a set of mini runs Scottsdale would have the last laugh. Down 21-18 they would rally to tie the game at 21 for the first time since early in the set at 3-3. After trading points Scottsdale finally caught the break they needed. Mesa misfired hitting a ball long to give the chokes a 24-23 lead and they closed the set with another Mesa miss to take the set 25-23.

With the T-Birds celebrating their 2013 sophomores between the second and third sets the Artichokes used the extended break to start heating up. After trading points on each team's first three serves Scottsdale imposed their will. Behind three different 4-0 runs Scottsdale opened up an 18-7 lead. Stretching their lead to 24-10 behind yet another 4-0 run, the 'Chokes had their biggest lead of the night. They would win the third set 25-11.

Scottsdale was led on the night by Victoria Fajardo with 13 kills, and Taylor Hamlet who hit .500 and had 5 digs. Scottsdale returns to action next Friday night, Nov. 1 vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College. The Artichokes will be celebrating their 2013 sophomores in their final home match of the regular season. First serve is slated for 7PM at the Artichoke Garden on the campus of Scottsdale Community College.