Posted Sunday, November 09, 2008 by Audrey Islas

Saturday November 8th was an amazing day for the Mingus Marauder Volleyball team.  After losing to Page the previous Saturday at home, for the region title, the Marauders were out for vengence.  The tournament seeded #2 Marauders faced the #3 Flagstaff Eagles first.  We came out somewhat lethargic in the first game and lost miserably 12-25. This however was uncharacteristic of the rest of the day for the Marauders.  I told the girls after that first game, that I wanted to spend the whole day in Page and they needed to do something about that.  If we were going to play like that we would be going home rather soon.  That must have been what it took or they just needed a warm up game, because after that they never looked back.  Mingus won the next three games 25-19, 25-15, and 25-20.  We were a whole different team the rest of the match, completely dominating the match.  We played the best we have played all season and I was very proud of how we dominated the Eagles.  Page had won their game earlier against the Sinagua Mustangs.  So the stage was set for a rematch with Page.  With an hour to wait, the girls rested and stayed focused for the championship match. The Marauders picked up where they left off with Flagstaff, beating the Page Sand devils in 3 games.  25-20, 25-15, 25-22.  We played even better against Page.  It was like everything finally came together.  We were confident, strong, offensive and dominate.  I kept telling the team all season that we had the talent to win every match, and all we needed to do was be mentally tough and confident.  There was no lack of confidence on Saturday.  The hitting was across the board which made us a threat offensively.  Senior setter Kelsey Wokasch kept mixing up the sets and everyone was putting the ball down.  The Page defense didn't know where to block us. Against Flag, Heather Rux had 14 kills, Cassie Bailey had 9, Chelsea Chavez had 5 and Jill Peterson and Molly Westcott each had 4.  Chelsea had 5 blocks and Heather had 3.  Cassie had the best game of her season.  Sabrina Ortiz had 20 digs.  Against Page, Heather had 12 kills, Molly had 7, Cassie had 6, Chelsea had 5 and Jill had 4.  Chelsea also had 6 blocks, 4 of them solo against the big middles from Page.  That was really a momentum boost when she was able to block their middles.  Sabrina had 10 digs and Kelseyand Cassie each had 7.  Kelsey had an amazing tournament.  I am so proud of her and how she really stayed focused the whole day.  
It was very rewarding for me to see my team win a much deserved championship tournament.  I knew we were getting better every week, but I dont think the team knew. They know it now.  This momentum is exactly what we need going into the first round of the state tournament.  The #6 Marauders face the #11 Sahaurita Mustangs at 7:00 Wednesday night at home.  If we win that round, Mingus will face the winner of #3 Arcadia and #14 Flagstaff.  It's likely to be Arcadia, since they are a dominating team.  We played them our first match of the regular season.  We were not victorious.  I told my team then, we would meet them again in the state tournament for revenge.  I hope I am right.  I would really like to see how we match up with them now.
All Region Awards include 1st team - Heather Rux and Kelsey Wokasch.  Heather Rux was also named Grand Canyon Region MVP.  2nd team - Chelsea Chavez.  Honorable Mention - Sabrina Ortiz..  Coach Audrey Islas was named Coach of the Year.