During the same weekend Sedona Red Rock High School volleyball won the state championship, their young soon-to-be replacements won their own state title.
The Big Park Community School volleyball team won the Arizona State Small School Championship on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Clarkdale-Jerome School, making it the second school in Verde Valley to earn the title in the tournament’s 15-year history.
This is the first time the girls captured the title in Big Park’s volleyball history.
The Coyotes went undefeated in the nine-team tournament, facing four different opponents while climbing the bracket.
“The Big Park girls played exceptional during the tournament,” said Shelley Woellmer, Big Park volleyball’s head coach. “These divisional championship teams from around the state were competitive and disciplined. However, our Big Park girls were just more focused.
“They fought for every point and never quit trying. I am so proud of their tenacity and concentration under stress and tough competition.”
Big Park defeated Rock Point, Ruth Fischer from Tonopah and Clarkdale-Jerome to get to the championship match.
In the championship match, Big Park once again met its friendly rival, the Clarkdale-Jerome Mingus Rams, who advanced to the finals from the loser bracket. The Coyotes beat the Mingus Rams 2-1 in the Tri-Valley Regional Volleyball Championship game the weekend before.
This championship game was just as hard-hitting and competitive but Big Park prevailed, winning set one 25 -13 and set two 25-14 to become the newest Arizona Small School state champions.
“Every girl contributed to the team effort,” Woellmer said. “These kids are truly athletes. When we were down by a few points, these girls encouraged and reassured each other. They rebuilt their focus and determination right on the court and went for the win.”
There were numerous contributions from all the Big Park players, although six girls were recognized by tournament officials for their
For the full story, please see the Friday, Nov. 9, issue of the Red Rock News.
