(GILBERT, Ariz.) Knights' beach volleyball is off to an incredible start in 2025, having defeated eight-straight opponents to claim an early No. 1 ranking in the Division II standings. 

Gilbert Christian has swept challengers in six-of-eight matches to start the season. Its closest outing occurred on February 26th versus Division 1 adversary AZ College Prep, where the GCHS Knights managed a 3-2 triumph against the 11th-ranked AZCP Knights. 

On Wednesday, March 26th, GCHS squared off against No. 8 Arcadia, a state semifinalist in 2024, in a battle of the unbeatens. The Knights were ultimately dominant, winning all but one pairing to emerge with their eight-game streak intact. Four additional Division II squads remain undefeated in 2025, though reigning state champion Salpointe Catholic is the only other team with eight wins and no losses on its docket.

Against the Titans, the pairs duo of junior Alexia Heyn and sophomore Lillie Duitsman pulled off a 21-15, 21-14 victory in the top match-up to move to 8-0 on the year. The ones have yet to give up a set in 2025.

In the twos pairing, junior Tylee Fox and sophomore Sienna Cathey put in work, taking down Arcadia's Kinsey Hunkins and Isabella Scaramella 21-12, 21-18. Fox and Cathey are also unbeaten as a pair, at 6-0, with both players having earned an additional win in the No. 2 spot while playing with junior Sidney Loth. 

The third point for the Knights came in the fours contest, courtesy of freshmen Shay Loth and Nyleah Ahlman. Loth and Ahlman gritted out a 22-20 opening-set nail-biter, before pulling away 21-14 in the second to claim the important win for Gilbert Christian. 

The fives, junior Selah Hommel and sophomore Ashley Gast, also secured a big point (21-13, 21-18) against the Titans in the match-up.

San Tan Charter (5-2) is the next challenger on the Knights' schedule. Gilbert Christian is slated to host the Roadrunners for a sectional match-up on March 31st at 4:00pm (Gilbert Regional Park).

-GO KNIGHTS-