PRESCOTT, Ariz. (August 27, 2025)

The Yavapai Volleyball just had their season home opener tonight against Chandler-Gilbert CC! The match went to 5 sets, and although Yavapai was able to tie the match after being down 0-2, the visiting Coyotes would win the final match 16-14.

The first set was lost by Yavapai 21-25. Freshmen Skylar Schwartz and Destiny Matthews had some excellent spikes, and Micah Gardner was able to hold the defensive line, but the visitors were able to take the W.

Set 2 was also won by Chandler-Gilbert, who won 25-15. Matthews continued to hold down the front line, but the surging Coyotes continued their dominance.

The tides started to turn at set 3, where Yavapai would end up winning 25-21! Schwartz and Matthews had high velocity kills, and Valerie Sabalza came in clutch at the end to seal the deal.

In a must win effort, Yavapai had a strong fourth set and ended up winning 25-16! Creative points in this match came from Anouk van Kollenburg, McKenzie Wright, and Sabalza.

The final set felt like the final scene of a sports movie. The Coyotes went on a run and were up 11-5, 4 points away from winning. But with some great serves from Micah Gardner, the score was all tied up at 12-12! The crowd was on their feet and the Roughriders were feeling electric, but the luck ran out after a couple serves that fell flat, and Chandler-Gilbert won the final match 16-14.

Despite the loss, it was a truly epic home opener for the 2025-26 Yavapai Volleyball Roughriders!

UP NEXT

Yavapai Volleyball's next match will take place this Saturday at home vs. Westcliff University. First serve is at 10 AM at Walraven Gym!