(GILBERT, Ariz.) The Gilbert Christian boys' volleyball team took down ALA-Ironwood 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 27-25) on Thursday, to finish the regular season at 9-8 overall. Nate Dickinson, Owen Gehr and Colton McWilliams, the 2024 seniors, were recognized prior to the contest for their incredible contributions to the program. 

The Knights put together a seven-game winning streak in the month of April, earning a No. 22 ranking and the opportunity to play for a spot at the AIA Boys Volleyball 4A State Championship. 

Gilbert Christian aced the Warriors seven times in the match. McWilliams recorded a game-high three aces for the Knights, and was a perfect 19/19 in service attempts on the day. Junior Talon Heafey took note, and followed suit with two aces of his own, while going 13-for-14 from behind the line. Dickinson also converted all but one of his attempts (13-for-14), to record a 92.9 service percentage on the day. 

The attack was facilitated by Dickinson, who stepped into a solo-setter rotation and dished out 34 assists in the victory.

Gehr notched double-digit numbers on offense and on defense, with 12 kills and 12 digs to earn bragging rights as the leader in both categories on senior night. McWilliams was next in line defensively, with nine digs for GCHS. 
 
Sophomore Malachi Myers, junior Cole Goforth and junior Shane Mckay produced strong numbers at the net, with 11, 8 and 6 kills, respectively. 
 
The Knights' journey will continue on Tuesday, April 30th as the team travels to No. 11 Barry Goldwater High School for a state play-in match. The winner of the contest will advance to the 2024 state tournament.