Yuma Catholic sweeps River Valley

Team communication was the difference in the Yuma Catholic volleyball team's 25-13, 25-17, 25-10 sweep of River Valley Thursday.

At one point in the first set, the 8-6 lead was a little too close for comfort for Yuma Catholic. The Shamrocks (9-3 in Arizona Interscholastic Association Division IV Power Points) responded with a 12-3 run.

In the second set, Yuma Catholic had a 9-2 run and finished up the third set with a 13-3 run, including 9-0 at the start.

“We played really well. Our energy was up. We didn't get down, which is what kills us,” junior outside hitter Chelsey Mendenhall said. “We communicated more. We knew who was where. Everyone could talk but if you don't listen, it's not worth it.”

Mendenhall had seven aces and 27 assists in Yuma Catholic's victory. Freshman Amanda Milnick chipped in eight kills and three aces for the Shamrocks.

“We came out very flat,” River Valley coach Bryan Crabtree said. “We can't seem to play every aspect of the game. We won't attack the ball but we passed well or we would attack but we wouldn't pass well. The biggest thing we need to improve on is communication and we need to be more enthusiastic.

“Yuma Catholic is a good team. They are tough to play. I was impressed on how much they attacked.”

The only time the Dust Devils led was in the third set at 2-0. The Shamrocks took control of the game and the lead and never turned back, answering with four unanswered points and holding River Valley to just eight more points.

“We played very well. Our energy was up. We passed very well,” Shamrocks coach Maris Grasis said. “I was happy with how aggressive they were. They were talking more and having fun.”

Yuma Catholic will travel to face Parker on Wednesday.