Addison Kalmbach is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Notre Dame Prep for AZPreps365.com. 

The Notre Dame Prep Saints extended their win streak to six with a 3-0 (25-5, 25-15, 25-12) victory over the Peoria Panthers on Tuesday.

The Saints opened the first set on a scoring roll. Outside hitter Sophia Ross nailed in scores for herself and also set up her fellow outside hitter Evan Hendrix. Without co-captain McKenna Douglas in the lineup due to a concussion, the Saints needed someone to fill the libero role. Alexandra Alessio would be that person. Entering the game with 55 sets played on the year, Alessio looked very comfortable in the role and even found herself with two straight aces and many digs to stop the Panthers from scoring. 

“I just knew that with her out that we had a hole and I just knew that I had to bring my game because the same thing happened freshman year and I had to step up and be the libero,” said Alessio. 

The main point of attack was again super sophomore Hendrix as she and Ross would continue to be set up for many kills in the first set. The Saints executed their game plan almost to perfection as they won the set with a score of 25-5. 

To begin the second set, Notre Dame Prep pulled their starters, besides Alessio. This was a smart move because it allowed for more players to gain experience and gain some in-game reps. After going up 3-0, the starters, such as Ross and Ashleigh Bolton, checked back into the game for the Saints. After two quick kills by Ross, she was subbed out and replaced by middle-back/right-side hitter Gracey Lambrecht who became the main point in the attack. Lambrecht filled this role well as she was able to find herself in good positions to kill the ball and also disrupt the Panther attack of Brittany Kogbara at the net by being a tall, athletic presence. 

After the game, Lambrecht was very impressed with herself, and “especially being a junior and my first year on varsity, I am really proud of myself and how far the team has come.” 

Despite not having their usual starters throughout most of the second set, the Saints did not slow down one bit. Alexis Yoza kept the momentum going placing her very hard serves where Peoria’s Sarah Fitzpatrick and Lorissa Guerrero could not return the ball to set up their offense. Notre Dame Prep continued their dominance by a commanding 25-15 set win.

After sitting out the entire second set, Hendrix returned to the game to start the third and final set. Notre Dame Prep did not miss a beat. Continuing to rotate their starters back in the lineup, every player on the court was in sync, no matter who was in the game. The Panthers were able to tie the game at 5 with Kogbara finding openings in the Saints' defense. This tie would be short-lived as NDP would put together a run that would have them outscoring the Panthers 20-7. Following the win, the Saints continue to remain as the No. 1 team in 4A and in the West Valley winning their sixth straight game. 

After a strong showing from Alessio, head coach Holly McLean had some high praise for the junior. “Lucky for us we have Alessio who is also big-time in my eyes, so Notre Dame is very blessed to have strong players in that position,” said McLean. 

Notre Dame Prep continues its impressive season as they host Desert Edge at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at home.