Mohana Holloway is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Bourgade Catholic High School for AZPreps365.com

The Bourgade Catholic Golden Eagles put up a strong fight on Thursday night, despite losing to Scottsdale Christian during a three-set match at the Bourgade Catholic gymnasium, 25-12, 25-14, 25-14. 

The Golden Eagles (3-8) shined during the second set, led by junior middle hitter Vanessa Arismendez,  who had a 3-0 scoring run consisting of a kill, hit and block. Outside hitters Emily Bonilla and Ashley Molina scored points with aces and kills.

Their strong performances came after a slow first set in which the Scottsdale Christian Eagles (5-5) dominated the court. The Eagles had several scoring runs, with back-to-back kills from middle hitter Reece Gibson ending the set, 25-12. 

“Going into the second set, I told the girls we needed the blocks,” Bourgade Catholic Coach Jesse Santos said. “Once the girls adjusted, we had a game on our hands.”

The Golden Eagles displayed strong determination, and the two teams had multiple rallies. Bourgade libero Kylie Bonheimer and setter Julianne Guntang made several digs, allowing Arismendez to score another kill. 

“In the first set I wasn’t present,” Arismendez said. “Going into the second set, I knew I needed to be consistent with my blocks and make my presence shown on the court.” 

Despite the Golden Eagles playing well defensively, Scottsdale Christian had a 5-0 scoring run, with three kills from Gibson, building a 23-15 lead. 

Gibson’s performance was especially important for the Eagles, who were previously on a four-game losing streak. 

“We have had some really hard games recently. Coming into this, we wanted the girls to play in system,” Scottsdale Christian Coach Julie Dickerson said. “Reece (Gibson) was the highlight of the match for us tonight.”

Gibson had 15 kills in the match.

The second set ended 25-14, with a kill from Eagles outside hitter Christina Keller, who also started the third set with a kill. 

The Golden Eagles did not back down, however, as senior middle hitter Kyra Williams scored a kill right after. Bonheimer, Guntang and Molina made several more digs, allowing freshman defensive specialist Natalya Perez to score points with two aces. Outside hitters Desteny Arenivar and Alice Gallegos also played well, earning points for kills, as well as making multiple kill attempts. 

“We always tell our girls that when they play Bourgade, they need to remember that Bourgade plays hard,” Dickerson said. “They never let a ball drop, and they’re very impressive in that sense. Kudos to them for always hustling.” 

The Eagles had multiple 3-0 scoring runs. Keller, outside hitter Kaya Olafson and setter Jaeden Brucklier earned points for aces and kills, claiming the final set, 25-14. 

Despite losing, the Golden Eagles walked away from the match smiling and sticking together as a team. 

“They’re very talented girls and their defense was there,” Santos said. “I recognize their little wins, and that’s what we’re going to take away from tonight.” 

Bourgade Catholic will play at Fountain Hills (7-3) at 6 p.m. Monday. Scottsdale Christian will play in the Spike Town Tournament at the American Leadership Academy on Friday.