Varsity Volleyball Reaches State Finals!
By Julia Bishop

The varsity volleyball team made history on November 9 by making it to the state championship game. After a long 6 hour drive to Phoenix, the girls played in a gritty quarter quarterfinal match against Northern Phoenix Prep where they prevailed 3-2. Aiyana Hammon solidified the middle of the court, getting many of the kills and blocks. Next, the Eagles advanced to their first ever Final Four, facing off against top-ranked Mogollon. With Mogollon being number one all year, the team was nervous but determined. “We can do it, we have nothing to lose,” said junior Priscilla Black before the match. Their determination proved decisive as they swept the favorites 3-0. The Eagles' amazing communication and unbelievable saves helped them on their way to the school’s first ever state championship game. After the match, Aiyana Hammon expressed her excitement about what the next day would bring, saying how she “couldn't imagine winning state or how that would feel.”

The next day would bring plenty of challenges as the Eagles would face off against defending state champion Cicero Prep. In the championship game, the Eagles started off slow by losing their first two sets 25-21 and 25-15. The Eagles came storming back in the third set winning by a decisive 25-12 score. In the end, El Capitan could not overcome their slow start, losing a competitive final set 25-21. 

The Eagles had a tremendous season, finishing with an incredible 28-3 record. This is the third consecutive year that El Capitan has sent a team to at least the State Semifinals (Boys basketball in the 2022/2023 season, Football in 2023, and volleyball in 2024) and the first time a team has reached a state championship game.

Ashlyn Hammon, team captain, senior and setter on the court states “making the quarterfinals, semifinals, and playing in the championship game is the biggest accomplishment in the four years I’ve been here.” Standout senior captain and outside hitter Adison Musser added “I am most proud of us believing in ourselves and that we can win the games that we thought we could never win.”

The Eagles are sending off a host of talented seniors, including Sarita Timpson, Allyssa Hammon, Ashlyn Hammon, Adison Musser, and Marissa Williams. The departing seniors will leave a legacy for the future program because of their volleyball IQ and the enthusiasm that they brought to the team.