#15 Blue Ridge Yellowjackets Ready to Challenge #2 Northwest Christian in 3A State Playoff Opener
The Arizona 3A State Volleyball Playoffs kick off this week, and the opening round features a classic underdog story. The #15-seed Blue Ridge Yellowjackets from Lakeside make the trip to Phoenix to take on the #2-seed Northwest Christian Crusaders, one of the most dominant programs in the 3A ranks this season.
Different Roads to the Same Stage
Northwest Christian (24-6 overall) has been a top-tier team all season long, storming through the regular schedule with experience and balance. The Crusaders’ senior-heavy roster, led by outside hitter Cadence Roberts and middle blocker Addison Desroches, has powered them to a near-perfect record in 3A play.
Blue Ridge (21-18 overall), on the other hand, has battled its way through a tough 3A East schedule to earn its postseason berth. While the Yellowjackets come in as a lower seed, they’ve shown resilience and growth — and they’ll rely on a core of young talent to take the next step.
Led by Two Sophomores and a Junior
What makes this Blue Ridge squad so exciting is its youth. The Yellowjackets are powered by two sophomores and a junior who have already become team leaders:
- Noelle Harris (So.) – A rising star with 352 kills on the year, Harris brings quickness, court awareness, and leadership beyond her age. She’s also a defensive force, averaging 2.3 digs per set and helping stabilize the back row.
- Chloe York (So.) – A versatile hitter with 299 kills, York combines power with smart placement and consistency in serve-receive. Her 2.8 digs per set showcase how valuable she is on both sides of the net.
- Makenzie Smith (Jr.) – The 6’1” middle hitter provides a steady presence at the net, adding 250 kills this season while anchoring Blue Ridge’s blocking game and giving the Yellowjackets a true interior weapon.
Experience vs. Youth
For Northwest Christian, this matchup represents the start of another playoff run with championship aspirations. For Blue Ridge, it’s a chance to prove that their next generation of talent is ready now — not someday.
The Crusaders enter as heavy favorites, but the Yellowjackets have shown they can compete with anyone when their young core finds rhythm. If Harris and York continue to shine in the back row and Smith controls the net, Blue Ridge could make this first-round matchup one to remember.
📅 Matchup: #15 Blue Ridge Yellowjackets vs #2 Northwest Christian Crusaders
🏐 Round: First Round – 2025 Arizona 3A State Volleyball Playoffs
📍 Location: Northwest Christian High School, Phoenix, AZ
🎥 Watch Live: Streamed exclusively on YouTube via iTalkSports and iTalk 106.7 FM
#6 Show Low Cougars and #11 Thatcher Eagles Set to Clash in 3A State Volleyball Playoffs
The postseason spotlight shifts to Millennium High School in Goodyear, Arizona, where the #6-seed Show Low Cougars and #11-seed Thatcher Eagles will face off in the first round of the 2025 Arizona 3A State Volleyball Playoffs.
First serve is set for Saturday at 1:00 PM — and fans can catch every moment live on YouTube.com/iTalkSports or listen on iTalk 106.7 FM.
Two Teams with Championship Traditions
Both programs are no strangers to deep playoff runs. The Show Low Cougars (22-12 overall) enter the tournament as one of the most experienced squads in 3A, powered by a senior class that has anchored the program for the past three seasons.
The Thatcher Eagles (18-15 overall) arrive as the #11 seed but have built a reputation as one of the state’s most resilient and fundamentally sound teams. With a balanced attack and gritty defense, Thatcher has all the tools to make life difficult for higher-seeded opponents.
Show Low’s Senior Trio Leads the Way
The Cougars’ front line is stacked with three senior standouts who have fueled their offense all year:
- 🏐 Jaylee Boyce (Sr.) – 309 kills – Show Low’s go-to scorer, known for her power and composure under pressure.
- ⚡ Livi Flake (Sr.) – 225 kills, 147 blocks – a dominant presence at the net and one of 3A’s most impactful blockers.
- 🔥 Sarah Gibbens (Sr.) – 203 kills – a smart, all-around hitter who thrives in tight matches.
Defensively, Avery Ervien (Sr.) continues to set the tone for Show Low’s back row with 553 digs, keeping the Cougars in control during long rallies and defensive scrambles.
Thatcher’s Depth and Balance Make Them Dangerous
The Eagles counter with a roster full of versatile athletes who excel at staying composed in tough moments. Their offense runs through a dynamic senior duo:
- 💥 Makenzi Lunt (Sr.) – 188 kills – a skilled outside hitter who brings steady scoring and leadership.
- 💪 Jocelyn Lunt (Sr.) – 177 kills – a consistent threat who can swing from multiple spots along the front line.
In the middle, Matti Gallett (Jr.) has tallied 55 total blocks, giving Thatcher a defensive edge at the net. Meanwhile, Tyla Bryce (Sr.) anchors the back row with 281 digs, providing the steady defensive play the Eagles need against Show Low’s powerful attack.
A Playoff Matchup Built for Drama
With both teams boasting experienced rosters and strong leadership, this first-round matchup could easily come down to momentum and composure.
Show Low’s senior-heavy lineup makes them a legitimate title contender — but Thatcher’s depth, balance, and postseason grit make them the kind of underdog that no one wants to face.
Fans can expect an intense, emotional battle between two programs that know what it takes to win when the stakes are high.
📅 Matchup: #11 Thatcher Eagles vs. #6 Show Low Cougars
🏐 Round: First Round – 2025 Arizona 3A State Volleyball Playoffs
📍 Location: Millennium High School – Goodyear, Arizona
🕐 Time: Saturday, 1:00 PM
🎥 Watch Live: YouTube.com/iTalkSports
📻 Listen On-Air: iTalk 106.7 FM