Mountain Pointe wins wild 5-set match over Highland

September 30, 2014 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


There was a distinct Jekyll and Hyde quality to Tuesday night's Mountain Pointe-Highland volleyball clash at Highland High.

Each team rode the highs and lows, but it was Mountain Pointe with the high in the final set in a 25-19, 22-25, 25-15, 19-25, 15-8 triumph at Highland HIgh.

"It was crazy and at times painful," Mountain Pointe coach Karen Gray said. "Each team had their moments. We had a couple rotations that caused us trouble, but I think people could see there was a ton of talent out there."

Mountain Pointe (13-4 overall, 6-2 power-ranking matches) won the odd numbered sets The first set was spurred by a 8-0 run that snapped a 12-12 tie. The third set was even at 9. HIghland blinked and found itself trailing 20-11 and the set outcome was sealed. Mountain Pointe picked up the the good karma in the deciding set to jump out 3-0 via a service error by Highand, an ace from sophomore outside Nicolette Clark and a block from Kendall Gray.

Highland, sensing the set might get away from it, called time. It didn't matter. Mountain Pointe was on a roll and strolled to a 10-2 lead. Mountain Pointe served two aces in the final set and with a 4-0 run served up by Gabby Leo, including one of the aces. The Pride recorded eight kills in the final set. Highland appeared to hav the momentum with the fourth set win and the arrival of a large cheering section comprised of boys volleyball players , who made the atmosphere quite a bit more raucous.

"We've had matches like this, but its usually been a good match all the way through or a bad one all the way through," Highland assistant coach Darren Ashment said. "It was a fun game, but not a good result."

Mountain Pointe outsides Clark and Chapin Gray led a very balanced attack with 11 kills and 10 kills, respectively. Senior middle blocker Kendall Gray added 10 kills and sophomore middle Nura Muhammad chipped in eight kills. The Leo sisters -- freshman Gabby and junior Jessica -- had 22 and 17 assists, respectively.Libero Anna Morse turned in 19 digs.

Highland (15-9 overall, 4-3 prm) was led by Tristyn Moser (15 kills), Ally Eyers (11 kills) and Nicole Ward (10 kills). Setter Kanani Hiapo had 42 assists.

 

 

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