Setter Jadyn Armstrong(right) setting her teammates up for a kill.

Olivia Wells is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley for AZPreps365.com

The air was electric Monday night at the William Farrell Gymnasium. Arcadia beat Paradise Valley in the first volleyball set,  25-14, but the Trojans weren’t going to let Arcadia score easily anymore.

“I think where we faltered is we didn’t depend on each other as much as we usually do,” Paradise Valley senior Madeline Muller said.

The teamwork wasn’t at the level it usually was, and Paradise Valley worked on it as the game continued.

The second set was closer, sparking several back and forths between the teams. Senior Molli Townsend’s energy on the bench could be heard  throughout the gym, keeping her team up and motivated during the game.

“I just have to give it my all,'' Townsend said. "Even if I am sitting on the bench or on the court it doesn’t matter, I love this game so I need to show it and show out every time.”

Just having a season has motivated her to do her best, and she has demonstrated that on and off the court.
Paradise Valley's Molli Townsend cheering for her teammates from the bench.Despite the Trojans' efforts, Arcadia stole the set 25-23.

The third set had the Trojans determined to pull through for a win. The Trojans created great energy and teamwork and made the crowd excited.
Sophomore setter Bella Valverde delivering a kill to unsuspecting Arcadia.The game was an incredible show, and despite Arcadia winning the game in three sets, the Trojans are determined to finish this season strong.

“It’s definitely still possible,'' Paradise Valley senior Grace Gin said. "We just need to work as a team together and believe in each other. It’s all about the team.”

No matter how the season unfolds, the Trojans won’t count themselves out. They are a team that will never give up, so the Trojans keep positive as they go up against Desert Mountain on Tuesday.

Coach Jessica Spencer knows that her girls are better than these losses, and she doesn’t want them to sell themselves short.

“I’ve seen them play way better than this,'' she said. "I don’t want them to let go of their season. They need to fight for the rest of their season.”