(GOODYEAR, Ariz.) Varsity volleyball wrapped its season on Saturday, November 9th at the 2024 AIA 3A Volleyball Championship Tournament. The Knights swept Show Low in the opening round (25-11, 25-18, 25-22) before falling in the state quarterfinal to a power-hitting Seton Catholic squad (23-25, 22-25, 21-25). Sophomores Sienna Cathey and Lillie Duitsman were the main offensive weapons in the GCHS arsenal, firing off 28 and 26 kills, respectively, during the two-match stint.
Seton Catholic will face Valley Christian in the championship on Saturday evening at Arizona Memorial Coliseum.
"I could not be more proud of the girls and the dedication they've shown this season," 3A Metro 2024 Coach of the Year Andrew Rasmussen said. "They have poured so much time and energy into becoming not only better athletes, but also stronger teammates. It has been incredible to watch them grow. Every practice, every game—they brought high effort, heart, and a competitive spirit that exemplifies what it means to be part of GCS volleyball. The hard work they put in, the obstacles they overcame, and the way they represented our program with character and strength will be remembered. As a staff, we want to express how grateful we are for each of them, and for the journey we have shared this season."
In Saturday's early contest, the Knights got 15 kills from Duitsman, who showcased her ability to put the ball down with power, off of the block, and with placement. She also hit with accuracy against the Cougars, connecting successfully on half (.500) of her attempts. Duitsman's ten digs were second only to GCHS freshman libero, Shay Loth, who compiled a match-high 12 for the Knights.
Cathey, who recently earned the prestigious honor of 3A Metro Region Offensive Player of the Year, scored points on the outside and via backrow attack for the Knights with her 11 putdowns, while also serving up a pair of aces in the straight-set victory. Cathey's defense was notable in the affair, as she tallied eight digs for GCHS.
Senior Kaila Aston made a big impact in her final state tournament, with eight kills in the middle for the Knights. She was aided by versatile junior Alexia Heyn, who stepped into the unfamiliar MB spot out of necessity for the tournament, and adjusted well, logging a pair of blocks and five putdowns in the win.
Knights' junior setter Sidney Loth, whose prowess has facilitated the offense all year, was credited with 36 assists in the sweep.
Against the Sentinels, Cathey produced nearly half of the team's offense, registering 17 of Gilbert Christians 36 kills. Duitsman also managed to hit double-digits in the loss, with 11, and Heyn managed six more for the Knights.
Three of the GCHS blocks unsurprisingly belonged to Aston, while Duitsman and sophomore Ashley Gast split the remaining roofs with two apiece.
Aston also led the way in behind the service line, with a pair of aces. She did not miss a serve in the match.
Loth notched all but four of the Knights' assists, finishing the Seton Catholic game with 29 dishes.
Defensively, Shay Loth saw the majority of backline action as she garnered 17 digs. Next in line was Cathey with 11, followed by senior Michelle Lopez who put forth a tremendous effort, posting eight digs in the final contest of her career for Gilbert Christian.
Gilbert Christian finishes the year at 17-3 overall. All three of the Knights' 2024 losses came against teams who advanced to the 2024 3A State Semifinal (Valley Christian, Northwest Christian, Seton Catholic).
-GO KNIGHTS-
