Jared Figueroa is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley High School for AZPreps365.com

Paradise Valley High School honored its seniors as the Trojans faced Desert Edge on a night filled with reflection and emotion.

Senior outside hitter Peyton Berger was second on the team with eight kills. However, the significance of the night extended beyond the scoreboard and stat sheet. 

“It really struck me that this was my last home game,” Berger said. “I won’t be back on this court again, and it just really hit me—all of the memories with the people I love. Those girls are like sisters to me, and even though we’ve had little bickers, they’ll always be family to me.” 

Despite a valiant effort and flashes of competitive volleyball, the Trojans came up short in four sets, 25-18, 26-24, 22-25, 25-13. Desert Edge improved to 13-11 overall and 6-4 in 5A Desert West play, while Paradise Valley dropped to 7-13 and 2-9. 

The Trojans started slow in the first set, struggling to adjust to Desert Edge’s strong serving, as the Scorpions went on a run to close it out. The second set, however, was back-and-forth as both teams traded points until the Trojans ultimately fell in the first two sets.

The Trojans' resilience paid off in the third set as strong serves and better communication helped them win this set to stay in the match. But Desert Edge responded with authority , using their size and hitting power to ultimately pull away.

Despite the loss, head coach Chris Stanfield praised the team’s resilient effort as they battled all night. 

“This is the second time this season that our team stuck together and competed in every set,” Stanfield said. “Usually when we sub out, we have a little lull, but tonight everyone competed. They trusted each other, and that’s all I can really ask for.”

Senior outside hitter Tay D’Elia transferred to Paradise Valley this year but continues to make an impact for the Trojans every night. She filled up the stat sheet with 18 kills, eight digs and five blocks but said there was a little extra motivation tonight. 

“Honestly, there was a lot of emotion and motivation for me tonight,” D’Elia said. “My family and friends came out, and that always pushes me to do better. That was the best team volleyball we’ve played all season, and I was really proud of our team.” 

D’Elia also credited Desert Edge’s intelligence but said her team can build on the experience. 

“They had really good servers and knew exactly where to place the ball,” D’Elia said. “But we just have to keep working hard at practice, learn from our matches like this and bring the same momentum into our last few games.” 

Stanfield took time to reflect on seniors D’Elia and Berger.

“Tay’s the glue. she keeps everyone together,” Stanfield said. “She’s by far the best teammate I’ve ever had on teams I’ve coached. Peyton’s our competitive leader. She just wants it. They’re both incredible examples for the rest of the team.”