Harrison Meyers is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Coronado High School for AZPreps365.com

Coronado (0-11) are heading to Vista Grande (6-6) next Tuesday looking for its first win this season. 

The Dons fell in straight sets at home to the Dysart Demons on Oct. 6, extending their winless streak to 11 games and has yet to win a set in that stretch.

The Spartans come in following a thrilling five-set win against Apache Junction on Oct. 5.

In their first matchup the next day, the Spartans swept the Dons 3-0 to make quick work of the home team. The Dons scored five points in the first set and looked like the lesser team from the start. However, Coronado picked up their energy and kept it close the next two sets, only falling 25-17 and 25-16.

Vista Grande senior outside hitter and captain Maria Toledo led the team with 14 kills, and its junior OH Chelzie Down finished with nine against the Dons.

Following the game, sophomore Hailey Hereau felt the energy was down in the first game against the Spartans, and hopes the team plays better defense after a lackluster start.

“The first set was a little rough but we played better than past games," Hereau said.

Head coach Alex Smothers added that the team knows what they have to do to compete in this next game.

"It’s just making sure that for a full 25 points we do those things, there’s a little too much inconsistency this season, and when we do have everything together we play very well," Smothers said.

“As long as we do what we are supposed to, we won’t have to play a lesser or higher team to be able to compete."

Freshman right side hitter Tracey Rodriguez, who has only been playing volleyball for two years, is also settling into her new shoes as the only freshman on Coronado's varsity squad.

“I really did not think I was going to make varsity, so I was really happy when I was added to the team,” Rodriguez said. 

Following the Vista Grande loss, Rodriguez wants improvements in the team’s defense.

Leading the team this year is senior OH Cyalista Cotton. Her five kills against Vista Grande led the team in their first match, and she is looking for a repeat performance against the Spartans. 

Smothers is enjoying his rookie season as head coach of the Dons.

“Everybody comes to practice, we all love volleyball, we’re all here to compete and win, but at the same time we’re here because we want to have fun," Smothers said.

Prior to the first time these teams played, Smothers felt the Spartans would give his team a good chance to win their first set of the season.