The Thatcher Eagles have advanced to the final 16 teams in the 3A state volleyball tournament, but their next challenge will be considerably tougher. No. 13 Thatcher travels to northern Arizona tonight to face fourth-seeded Tuba City, a team that has been particularly difficult to beat on its home court.
Thatcher earned its spot in the state tournament with a convincing three-set victory over No. 20 Heritage Academy Gateway on Tuesday night. The Eagles took control early, winning the first two sets 25-14 and 25-17 before holding off the Heroes 25-22 in the third. The victory sends head coach Marcie Lopeman’s squad back into the state championship bracket after reaching the quarterfinals a year ago.
Tuba City enters the tournament with a 13-1 conference record, including a 7-1 mark in the competitive 3A North Region. The Warriors earned the No. 4 seed and an automatic berth in the 16-team bracket. Under head coach Kristen Balcerek, Tuba City has also built an impressive home-court advantage, winning 19 consecutive home matches dating back to last season.
The Warriors feature two of the more productive young hitters in the 3A Conference. Sophomore Yasmine Ataya has recorded 239 kills, 316 digs and 66 service aces this season, while fellow sophomore Layla Curtis has contributed 215 kills and 55 blocks. Curtis ranks among the state’s 3A blocking leaders, giving Tuba City a formidable presence at the net. Junior setter AuRaiya Granger has distributed 404 assists, while freshman Nia Balcerek has added 293 assists and 217 digs.
Thatcher will counter with a balanced offensive attack led by junior Jocelyn Lunt, who has recorded 219 kills, 179 digs and 30 service aces. Junior Brinlee Skousen gives the Eagles another dangerous option with 190 kills and a .274 hitting percentage, while senior Lillie Welker has contributed 148 kills.
One of the more intriguing matchups will come at the net, where Thatcher has two experienced blockers capable of challenging Tuba City’s powerful hitters. Senior Matti Gallett leads the Eagles with 40 blocks, while Skousen has added 38. Their ability to slow down Ataya and Curtis could play a significant role in Thatcher’s chances of pulling off the upset.
The Eagles also have plenty of experience directing their offense. Junior Alli Johnson leads the team with 439 assists and 40 service aces, while junior Payten Lunt has contributed another 214 assists. Defensively, senior Taylor Henrie has collected 184 digs, giving Thatcher another experienced player in the back row.
The winner advances to Saturday’s quarterfinals at Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, where it will face the winner of the matchup between No. 5 Snowflake and No. 12 Benjamin Franklin. That quarterfinal is scheduled for noon, with the semifinals later Saturday evening.
