Pima Volleyball Stuns Scottsdale with Late Tiebreaker Comeback

The Pima Community College volleyball team (8-5, 5-1 in ACCAC) concluded an action-packed week by facing off against No. 6 ranked Scottsdale Community College at the West Campus Aztec Gymnasium on Friday night.

In a thrilling five-set match, the Aztecs overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Fighting Artichokes with scores of 25-22, 18-25, 24-26, 30-28, and 15-8. The contest featured an impressive 37 ties, showcasing the competitive nature of both teams.

Pima’s victory marked their first win over Scottsdale since October 20, 2021, snapping a five-match losing streak against the Artichokes. Throughout the week, the Aztecs achieved a flawless 3-0 record, defeating two teams ranked in the NJCAA Division II while playing a total of 15 sets, all of which required the fifth-set tiebreaker.

The Aztecs displayed resilience early in the match. Trailing 14-11 in the first set, they scored five consecutive points to gain the lead. Despite Scottsdale reclaiming the advantage at 17-16, Pima responded with four straight points, highlighted by two aces from freshman Addy Fisher and a crucial kill by sophomore Elli Meinke. The Aztecs ultimately took the first set 25-22 after several lead changes.

The second set saw the Artichokes take control, allowing the Aztecs to tie 16-16 before Scottsdale ended the set on a strong note, winning it 25-18 and leveling the match at one set apiece.

The third set was fiercely contested. Pima fell behind 16-10 but pulled even at 20-20. With set-point at 24-23, the Artichokes rallied, scoring three points in a row to take a 2-1 lead in sets.

The dramatic back-and-forth continued in the fourth set. Leading 15-9, the Aztecs watched Scottsdale storm back to lead 19-17. Pima managed to tie the set at 24-24, and after several more ties, secured the set with a final score of 30-28, pushing the match to a decisive fifth set.

Entering the final set with renewed energy, the Aztecs took the initiative, leading 5-3 before embarking on a scoring spree that included seven points in eight serves, culminating in a commanding 12-4 advantage. Sophomore Haylee Gilleland played a pivotal role, contributing two kills during this crucial stretch. The match concluded with McReynolds delivering the final two kills to clinch the victory for Pima.

Gilleland stood out with 20 kills, accompanied by one block and one ace. McReynolds contributed 17 kills and two aces, while Meinke added 11 kills, three aces, and three blocks to the squad’s impressive totals. Additionally, Simon recorded nine kills and four blocks, and Fisher notched three aces.

The Aztecs will continue their challenging schedule by facing No. 18 Glendale Community College on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Glendale, marking their third consecutive match against a nationally ranked opponent.