The Scorpions lost their final game of the 2012 regular season to their cross-valley rival but still remain the No. 1 seed in the Division IV conference going into the state playoffs.

The Sedona Red Rock High School ended the regular season with a 32-3-3 record after losing to the Mingus Union High School Marauders [13-6-0] in a high-energy five-set match at Mingus Union on Thursday, Oct. 25. The Marauders won 3-2.

This was the second time the Scorpions played the Marauders this season. The Scorpions won the first match 3-0 at home earlier in September.

“We played pretty good,” said John Parks, SRRHS head coach. “Our serving just was not as tough, and that made all the difference in the game. We could have been a little more aggressive.”

The stands were packed with students and parents who watched the girls battle it out.

A kill by sophomore McKenna Woodford gave the Scorpions the lead right away in the first set. Blocks by Woodford and senior Sierra Hatler at the net and perfect placements inside the line by senior Tiana Hatler and Woodford maintained the Scorpion lead until a couple of hard Marauder kills tied the score 6-6.

A block at the net followed by a kill by junior Megan Wzientek returned the lead to SRRHS, but the Marauders tied the score 9-9 and once again at 10-10.

Some miscommunication on Sedona’s court allowed the Marauders to take hold of the lead. Aces by Woodford and Hatler and kills by Sierra Hatler and junior Morgan Hawes kept the Scorpions within one or two points, but the Marauders held tight on the lead. Mingus Union won the first set 25-22.

The second set was characterized by long rallies and consistent ties on the scoreboard.

Senior Brenna Barker and Hatler blocked a number of Marauders hits at the net. Wzientek even dived into the crowd to save a hit, tying the game 4-4.

The girls tied again at 6-6, and the Scorpions took the lead.

The Scorpions showcased excellent teamwork on the court. Tiana Hatler had a dig, Wzientek saved the ball from going out and Hawes was able to score a point. This was followed by a set by Barker and kill by

For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Oct. 31 issue of the Red Rock News.