(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian faced off against undefeated number one-ranked Valley Christian on Tuesday evening at home. The Knights took the opening set off of the Trojans, winning 25-16, but struggled to find the same energy as VC rallied to take the final three 25-15, 25-17, 25-13.
"There were some good things in this match," Head Coach Alyssa Misuraca said. "We were really aggressive in the first set, and we stayed in our spots on defense. We need to work on maintaining trust and aggressiveness under pressure, and we cannot start to play timid when things get tight."
The opening set was a sight to behold, with the young Knights' squad showing no fear as it took the court. Junior Emma Caraveo gave Gilbert Christian a 3-0 edge with expert serving, and Duitsman brought the heat with a big kill to get the crowd on its feet at 5-2. Caraveo snuck a tip over to keep the three-point edge at 7-4, and junior Kaedra Lloyd extended it to four with a big kill in the middle for GCHS.
The experienced Trojans' team worked its way back into the fight, coming within a point at 9-8, but Duitsman and Lloyd battled at the net for the next two points and a couple of ill-timed VC errors earned the Knights a 14-8 advantage.
Freshman Sienna Cathey was next to strike, nailing a spike through the Trojans' block, and an ace from junior libero Michelle Lopez followed to put GCHS up 16-9.
The incredible defensive effort continued for the Knights, resulting in rally after long rally, and eventually paying off as junior Kaila Aston came up with a giant block to give Gilbert Christian a 10-point lead at 21-11.
Duitsman brought the Knights a point closer on the ensuing play with another kill, but this time Valley fought back, recording four in a row to make it 22-15.
A pair of hitting errors handed the Knights 24, and Cathey finished with a tip to end the set at 25-16.
"Our middles impressed me tonight," Misuraca said. "They created a big presence at the net. Lillie and Sidney Loth also did a lot for us in this match, specifically in showcasing the mentality of 'Dig or Die,' a game we play at practice, where it is paramount to keep the ball from hitting the floor."
Duitsman led the Knights with 10 kills in the contest. Aston recorded six blocks (one solo, five assisted) and Lopez finished with a team-best 13 digs. Caraveo dished 19 assists out on the night.
With the loss, GCHS drops to 5-6 overall. Valley maintains its 10-match unbeaten streak.
The Knights look to rebound against Coolidge at home on Thursday. The freshman/sophomore game is scheduled for 4:00pm, followed by junior varsity and varsity at 5:00pm and 6:00pm, respectively.
-GO KNIGHTS-
