The girls of the Sedona Red Rock High School volleyball team couldn’t have started the 2012 season any better.

In their season opener, the Scorpions denied the Coconino Panthers a set win. The Scorpions won the overall match after beating the Panthers in the first three sets.

Longtime SRRHS volleyball Head Coach John Parks was very happy about the turnout of the first game and the performance of his players.

“We beat a good team at home,” Parks said. “The girls played great, and it was a great way to start the season.”

The Panthers returned this season with four strong veteran players. They are also under the leadership of a new coach. First-time Head Coach Amanda Gabbitas took over the Panthers’ varsity team with the departure of Angela Vargas. She is new to Northern Arizona and told the Arizona Daily Sun before the season started that she was unfamiliar with Coconino’s opponents.

But after this season opener, there is no doubt that she now knows just who the Scorpions are.

For the full story, please see the Friday, Aug. 31, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.