McReynolds Shines with 15 Kills & 2 Aces, Yet Pima Volleyball Crumbles in Straight Sets

The Pima Community College volleyball team, currently standing at 11-9 and 8-3 in the ACCAC, faced off against Mesa Community College on Friday. This matchup featured two nationally ranked programs in the NJCAA Division II, with the Aztecs ranked No. 25 and the Thunderbirds at No. 21.

In a competitive game, the Aztecs fell to the Thunderbirds in straight sets, losing 25-22, 25-21, and 28-26. Earlier this season, the Aztecs had achieved a victory against the Thunderbirds at Aztec Gymnasium, winning in five sets on September 11.

The first set was tightly contested, with the Aztecs maintaining a slight lead until 15-14. However, they quickly lost momentum, allowing Mesa to score eight consecutive points, taking control of the set at 22-15. Despite a late surge that brought the score to 24-22, the Thunderbirds sealed the first set with one final point.

In the second set, Mesa jumped ahead, scoring five of the first six points. Their largest lead was 18-10. Although the Aztecs made a comeback to close the gap to 23-21, they could not capitalize on the opportunity as the Thunderbirds finished the set strong.

The Aztecs started the third set with a surge, scoring seven of the first nine points. Kenna Simon’s pivotal block and Haylee Gilleland’s kill provided an early advantage at 7-2. The set saw back-and-forth scoring with a total of eleven ties, starting from 14-14. Despite holding set-point three times, the Aztecs ultimately fell short, as the Thunderbirds rallied to win the match.

Freshman Maggie McReynolds led the team with 15 kills and contributed two aces. Additionally, Kendall Snyder ended the match with five kills and two blocks, while Addy Fisher added three aces to the Aztecs’ tally.

Next, the Aztecs will face No. 9 Scottsdale Community College on Wednesday. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m., promising another challenging encounter for Pima.