From the initial serve on, Phoenix Sunnyslope sought to ensure that its undefeated record would remain intact.
With fast, aggressive play at the net, the Vikings did just that. Led by senior captain Emma Ridley, the Vikings defeated visiting Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep 25-18, 25-16, 25-11 to bring their record to 17-0, 1-0 in region.
"I try to be as much of a leader as I can," said Ridley, "because when we play with a good attitude we are unstoppable." Ridley lead by example. She had 15 kills, four aces and seven digs, all done with a smile on her face.
Sunnyslope coach Amber LeTarte attributes her team's success to that positive attitude.
"On and off the court, they have fun as a team and that makes it easy to motivate them," said LeTarte. "When they are that connected, it's awesome." Notre Dame coach Laura Harris knew that Ridley would be a key member of the Vikings' attack, but the young Saints team could not stop her.
"I usually have a blocker zone in on a player like her (Ridley). We just panicked and couldn't get it done tonight."
Playing without starting center Sarah Svorinic (concussion), the Saints played tough in the first and second games but were overcome by the Vikings' sheer power in the third and deciding game. "I am pleased with how we played, especially being down a player. We just made errors with our serves and with receiving the serve," said Harris. "We should have finished stronger."
The loss brings Notre Dame to 15-7 overall, and 0-1 in Wells Fargo Region 2 play.
