Keller Brown is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Higley High School for AZPreps365.com

Following a set one win in dominant fashion, the Higley girls volleyball team regathered themselves after losing the second set against Mountain Pointe, winning sets three and four to close out a win Monday night at Mountain Pointe High School. 

The Knights won three out of four sets, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17, and 25-12.

Monday night’s win over the Pride kicked off regional play in the right way for Higley, as coach Tyler Kraemer expects consistency moving forward.

“It’s the beginning of region play for us, so we have to come out swinging every night,” Kraemer said. “We don’t have the luxury of coming out and losing anymore. Just taking care of business when we can is what we have to do the rest of the year.”

Sophomore Lucy Schmidt did it all Monday night, recording 13 kills, four aces and one block, with the majority of her stats coming in the first set. Schmidt had three consecutive aces early, helping to set the tone for the Knights. 

Senior Laci Degner had 11 kills on the night, along with one ace and three blocks.

Two more seniors helped carry the load for Higley. Tanner Robinson had nine kills and one block, and Danelle Acosta earned four aces. 

The fourth and final set was highlighted by junior Symone Smith, where she recorded three of her five kills. Although she mentioned her kills were due to the rhythm of the game, Smith feels she excels more in off-schedule plays. 

“It was the rhythm of the set,” Smith said. “Usually I am good when it’s not a perfect set, and it’s out of system. I’m more confident and don’t put as much pressure on myself.”

Even after losing two contests the previous week, Smith thinks this win will help set a tone for the rest of regional play.

“It makes us stronger,” Smith said. “We just shake it off and we have to move on, and keep working hard, and not keeping ourselves down.”

Although the Pride dropped the final two sets, Mountain Pointe assistant coach Ali Perez noted how she saw the togetherness from her team improve in the second set.

“I thought in the second set that they were playing as a team, they had a lot more energy,” Perez said. “I think when they played together, it helped them get that lead and fight back.”

Alivia Proctor was a bright spot for the Pride, finishing with six kills and two aces. 

Despite winning the match, Kraemer thought he could have seen more from his team. 

“Got to give credit to Mountain Pointe, they were the hardest working team out here tonight,” Kraemer said. “Even though we came away with the win, they were working harder than we were. If we were working that hard, who knows what will happen.”

Higley (5-3, 5-3) will host Campo Verde on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Mountain Pointe (3-6, 3-6) will host Casa Grande at 6 p.m. Tuesday.