Lady Aztecs conquer Scorpions

HESPERIA • The Barstow volleyball team bounced back from its first loss on Wednesday with a decisive, 3-0, victory at Hesperia Thursday.

The Lady Aztecs won by scores of 25-17, 25-22, 25-13.

“We came out strong and controlled the court in all three games, both offensively and defensively,” said head coach Tynelle Olivas.

The Aztecs were particularly dominant in the first and third games. Barstow almost won game two by the same score as game one, but at 24-17, an out-of-bounds serve gave the ball back to Hesperia, which reeled off five straight points.

“Hesperia took the opportunity to rally off us because of passing and coverage errors,” said coach Olivas. “But we came through with a solid kill by Heather Verrill to get us back on track.”

The third game was a quick one. The Aztecs jumped out to a 4-1 lead, and won by the biggest margin of the night. When it was over, Teren Hedberg had two saves, and Chelsea Phillips and Katelyn Andrew finished the game with two kills each.

“We opened with a lead and followed it up with smart hits and picture-perfect passes,” said Olivas.

Verrill led the Aztecs in kills, with 14. DeAnna Lopez had 15 digs, and Vasa Alefaio and Shekinah-Joy Toloumu tied with 14 assists each.

The win gives Barstow a record of 3-1. The non-league part of the schedule now over, the Aztecs begin Desert Sky League play Monday with a match at Burroughs. Wednesday, they’ll be at Victor Valley.

“I'm proud of my team, they came back from a tough loss last night to dominate tonight. They worked cohesively and admirably. I could not ask for more,” said Olivas. “We are in a good place going into the DSL; we are a stronger, more unified presence driven by a team spirit to succeed.”