The Sedona Red Rock High volleyball team proved to everyone in the region and even more importantly to themselves that they are a force to be reckoned come state tournament time.

By Brian Bergner Jr.

Larson Newspapers

The Sedona Red Rock High volleyball team proved to everyone in the region and even more importantly to themselves that they are a force to be reckoned come state tournament time.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, Sedona boarded a school bus and traveled four-and-a-half hours to Parker High to play out the remainder of the 3A-West regional tournament.

The Scorpions got a chance to continue their season after beating River Valley High in the first round of regional tournament play back on Oct. 24.

The final two rounds of the tournament were at Parker because they were regular season champs at an impressive 12-0.

Just as soon as the Scorpions got off the bus they were in uniform and ready to play Wickenburg High.

Wickenburg, the No. 2 seed, was awarded that right only because the flip of the coin said so as both schools finished the regular season tied for second place at 8-4.

Sedona came out on the attack looking as if they had just spent five minutes on a bus, not five hours.

"We had a game plan and we stuck with it. Daniella [Jovanovic] and Marijana [Jovanovic] executed that plan very well," Sedona head coach John Parks said.

The game plan called for tip plays against Wickenburg’s weak defense as they didn’t handle the attack very well.

It worked like a charm as Sedona took the first two games, 25-23 and 25-18.

In game three, Sedona was one point away from sweeping Wickenburg as they were up 24-21.

Wickenburg would not go quietly and went on a 5-0 run to take the game, 26-24.

"We had them. We missed a few key plays and we had our opportunities, but we didn’t cash in," Parks said.

Game three would leave no hangover going into game four as the Scorpions dominated and advanced to the championship match, 25-15.

Regional

After losing to Parker twice during the regular season, Parks says Sedona had no fear going into the final match for a regional tournament championship.

"They had a big crowd there, as always. Our kids were not afraid of them," Parks said.

With the crowd noise tuned out to all ears from Sedona, the Scorpions went to work on the best team in the region.

The Scorpions hung with Parker during the majority of game one, but a few breaks went to the other side and Parker won the game, 25-20.

"We were in the game the whole time," Parks said.

The play of Sedona in game two was identical to the score of game one as they lost again and were in a hole, 25-20.

Game three was much closer for the Scorpions, but the exhausting trip, the crowd and the fact that Parker is one of the best teams in the state were too much as they lost, 25-23.

"We had a game plan for Parker, but just didn’t execute it," Parks said.

State

With the regular season complete, Sedona can turn their attentions to the 3A state tournament which is set to begin today at Peoria High.

Because of the new power point scheme used by the Arizona Interscholastic Association this year, Sedona will enter the tournament as a 15 seed and will play No. 2 Safford High.

"A win here or there and we would be in the top five. It’s one of those years where every team is close regardless of seeding," Parks said.

Sedona hasn’t been to the state tournament since 2004 so everyone on the team is excited.

"We’ve beaten 12 of the 15 teams in the tournament and we’ve beaten Safford so we have a great shot at doing something special," Parks said.

Since entering the 3A conference in 2003, Sedona has never made it past the first round.

This year may be different however as the Scorpions boast a 26-19 [8-4] record on the season which is certainly nothing to frown upon.

"It’s all in who plays well at the right time," Parks said.

Brian Bergner Jr. can be reached at 282-7795, Ext. 131, or e-mail to bbergner@larsonnewspapers.com