By Riley Barlow

Volleyball Enters State Playoffs on a 21 Win Streak

The volleyball girls gained yet another win, building their current streak to 21. The Eagles placed first in their regional tournament and earned a 5 seed in the 1A state volleyball tournament. El Capitan, who raised the regional banner earlier today, has not lost a volleyball match since September 20. The Eagles enter the state tournament strong, dispatching many talented teams along the way, including wins against two 2A teams—Wilcox and Pinon—when they won 1st place at the Joseph City Tournament. With playoffs coming up, there are several players who have shown up and shown out, some of which includes Region MVP Ashlyn Hammon—who is currently 2nd in state in assists with 593 while also leading the team with 79 aces (8th in State)—and 1st-team all regional standout Sammantha Hammon, who leads the team in kills with 211 (6th in State). The Eagles also benefit from a host of all-region talent, with seniors Allyssa Hammon and Adison Musser joining Ashlyn Hammon and Samantha Hammon on the Region 1st-team and Sarita Timpson and Ruth Timpson earning Region 2nd-team honors. Juniors Aiyana Hammon, Priscilla Black, and upcoming talented sophomore Grace Bradshaw round out a talented team who will look to make a deep run in this week’s state tournament lead by regional co-coaches of the year Daisy Mills and Guinevere Timpson.

To begin the state tournament, the Eagles beat #13 Antelope Union, a talented squad boasting a 13-5 record, in the first round. They will now travel to Coronado High School in Scottsdale to compete in the quarter finals and semifinals on Friday, November 8. The state championship will be held the following day on Saturday, November 9. Cheer on the Eagles as they make school history!