Pima sweeps Duncan in straight sets to open the season

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald:

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Pima player Cheyanne Alder spikes the ball. Pima defeated Duncan 3-0 on Wednesday.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

PIMA – The Pima Roughriders opened their 2024 volleyball season at home Wednesday with a straight-set victory over the Duncan Wildkats, 25-11, 25-19, 25-20. 

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Kelsi Brimhall spikes the ball.

Kenzie Chlarson opened the season with four straight aces, and Pima quickly jumped to a 7-2 lead. Duncan came back to tie it at 9-9, however, and the teams were neck-and-neck until Pima went up 12-11 and sent Chlarson back to serve. The Wildkats never got another serve for the rest of the game. 

Chlarson hit for 9 of her 13 aces in the set during that stretch and Pima put away Duncan 25-11. 

In the second game, the Wildkats initially led but Pima came back to tie it up at 9-9 and into the teens ending at 14-14. Pima then went ahead and never relinquished the lead again, 25-19. 

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Kenzie Charlson prepares to serve. Charlson had 13 aces in the first set.

The Roughriders opened up a big lead in the third and final game, starting 8-2, and ending up leading throughout. The Wildkats fought back and came within one point at 14-13, but would get no closer and Pima prevailed, 25-20.   

“All the girls did really great,” Pima head coach Jodie Larson said. “I’m just really proud of the girls and how they put their heart into it and pulled it out for the win.” 

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Duncan players celebrate a point.

Duncan head coach Kassi Mortensen lauded her team’s effort and pointed out the number of rallies and digs the team had. 

“You know, we’re a 1A school coming to a 2A school and we’ve tried to get some more of those games and get some more of that good competition for our girls and get them ready to play in our region,” she said. “So, coming down here against Pima’s big girls – they’re big hitters; they’re big blockers – it’s really good for my girls. And so I’m proud of them for sticking right with them. I think they did good.”

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Teams battle at the net.

Larson said the team needs to improve their communication but overall she is optimistic for the season. 

“I’m really excited for the season,” she said. “I think we’re going to be really great.”

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Kenzie Chlarson prepares to set the ball for Kelsi Brimhall, right.

Pima will next host the Benson Bobcats (0-1) on Tuesday, Sept. 3, starting at 6 p.m.  

Duncan will look to rebound by hosting the San Simon Longhorns on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 5 p.m. in their initial match of the year. 

“We’re excited for our season,” Mortensen said. 

See more pictures of the game on the Gila Herald’s Photo Album.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Pima player Demi Derrick prepares to serve.