Desert Oasis advanced to the program's first state final with a 25-22, 25-15, 25-21 victory over Silverado. The Diamondbacks, the Mountain League's No. 2 seed, avenged a first-round loss to the Skyhawks from last year's playoffs. Junior outside hitter Charli Quinto led the attack with 18 kills, while seniors Bryli Allen and Willa Grogan each added a service ace.
Coach Ronda Mills said the team started nervously, falling behind 7-3 in the opening set before rallying for five straight points to close out the frame. "Our motto this season has been 'play bold,' and for them to just play free and go for it," Mills said. "It's gotten us this far, and we're going to keep with it."
Defending champion Sierra Vista, the Mountain League's top seed, swept Sky Pointe 25-20, 25-21, 25-16 in the other semifinal. The Mountain Lions will host Saturday's championship match. Sophomore Averie Gidge paced the offense with 13 kills, and senior Presley Hartstrong contributed three aces and four digs.
Sierra Vista coach Raymond Maika emphasized the importance of home-court advantage and maintaining the team's identity. "The main thing is just doing what we've been doing all year round — playing our style of play, sticking together, and picking each other up, no matter where we're at in the game," Maika said.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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