college
Gilleland’s 38 Kills Propel PCC Volleyball to Split at Aztec Classic
The Pima Community College volleyball team (4-5) participated in the Aztec Classic Invitational on Friday, concluding the day with a mixed record of 1-1 across two matches.
In their first match against Treasure Valley CC Chukars, the Aztecs suffered a narrow defeat, losing 3-2 in a five-set thriller (21-25, 25-22, 25-17, 13-25, 15-12). Despite the loss, Pima managed to deal the Chukars (5-0) their first set losses of the season. The Aztecs showcased resilience, coming back from a 16-10 deficit in the opening set to secure a 20-17 lead before closing it out.
The second set was tightly contested, featuring nine ties and six lead changes. The Chukars eventually gained the upper hand, winning the set after a late surge, making it 1-1 overall. As the match progressed, Pima rebounded strongly in the fourth set, dominating with a decisive 9-1 run to force a fifth set. However, the final set saw the Aztecs give up a slim lead, allowing the Chukars to clinch the match with four consecutive points.
Sophomore Haylee Gilleland (Flagstaff HS) led Pima with an impressive 15 kills, complemented by 13 kills from freshman Maggie McReynolds and eight from sophomore Elli Meinke (Ironwood Ridge HS).
Refusing to be discouraged, the Aztecs bounced back in the second set, leveraging a powerful run ignited by Meinke’s kill and an ace from freshman Julia Weatherbie (Mountain View HS) to level the match at 1-1. Pima continued to build momentum, scoring five unanswered points in the third set, leading to another win.
Pima took command in the fourth set, quickly establishing an 11-2 lead which the Scotties could not effectively challenge. Gilleland dominated, finishing with a match-high 23 kills, alongside 12 from McReynolds.
The Aztecs are slated to return to ACCAC conference action next Friday against South Mountain Community College, with the match starting at 7 p.m.
