Kal-El Goff is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Cactus Shadows for AZPreps365.com

The Cactus Shadows boys varsity volleyball team traveled to Marcos De Niza on Thursday, April 17, and secured its second win of the season against the Padres, 3-0.

In the first matchup this season, the Falcons defeated the Padres three sets to one on their home court. Cactus Shadows was able to improve their performance on the road with a healthier team the second time around.

Cactus Shadows Head Coach Shawn Covely said, “First time against Marcos De Niza, we were coming off a bunch of illnesses and some injuries.”  

Cactus Shadows started the first set with energy, quickly getting out to a 5-10 lead. The success from the Falcons early in the first set was orchestrated by Brycen Bollwitt, Noah Denten, and Cruz Rivera. Ultimately, the Falcons’ quick start was too much for the Padres, and the Falcons took the set 25-13. 

While the Falcons saw their success carry into the second set, the Padres put up a stronger fight. Marcos De Niza’s, Rhon De La Cruz and Andruw Matos created several points for the Padres through their defending and efficiency in setting. 

Falcons needed to sharpen their game, Rivera said, “We need to work on our serve and receive.” Similarly, Falcons’ freshman Parker Wernes said the team’s serve and receive in the second set could have been better. “Our serve and receive in this game, during the second set, was pretty iffy,” said Wernes. 

The Padres saw themselves within reach multiple times in the second set, but the Falcons' leaders, Bollwitt and Denten, stepped up. The duo’s ability offensively and defensively at the net led the Falcons to a 25-17 win. 

Early in the third set, Cactus Shadows and Marcos De Niza exchanged points until the Falcons were able to find an edge. Cactus Shadows found themselves tied 11-11 when they flipped the switch and went on a five-point run, making it 16-11. Eventually, the Falcons’ energy, leadership, and ability at the net led them to a 25-14 victory in the final set. 

Cactus Shadows turns to 11-1 on the season and extends their win streak to 10 games. Just five games remain for the Falcons this regular season, all of them at home. 

Covely said, “It’s a great way to end the travel part of our season. A lot of work to get done, we go up against some really good teams, and we’re excited for the challenge.”

“We've got to defend our record at home,” said Wernes. 

Following the loss, Marcos De Niza will look to find some wins as the regular season closes April 30. The Padres will host St. Mary's in their next game, a matchup Marcos De Niza will be looking for revenge following their 1-3 loss earlier this season.

Falcons will look to continue their win streak to end the season and follow their playoff aspirations after falling in the first round of last year's 5A State Championship.