As the regular season comes to a close for fall sports, Sedona volleyball shifts their focus to the postseason.
The Scorpions finished with a 7-10 record and are looking to make some noise in the postseason.
After leading the Scorpions to a state title in volleyball, Sedona coach Brenna Barker now has a chance to coach in the playoffs.
In 2012, Barker played for Sedona and helped them accumulatean impressive record that ended with the Scorpions defeating Northwest Christian for the 2A championship.
Barker took over the head coaching role from her parents this season while on a gap year as she applies to medical schools.
“This season was fun because they are great girls and even though they drive me insane, I love them with my whole heart,” Barker said. “It was also frustrating at times but with this play-in game we have a chance at making the tournament and going from there.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 29, the 19th-seeded Sedona Scorpions take on 14th-seeded Arizona Lutheran in a play-in game. The game was played after press time.
Since Sedona and Arizona Lutheran have not played this year, Barker is making sure the Scorpions are prepared for whatever
may come.
“I think having our players practice in different spots leading up to the game will help if things start off poorly,” Barker said.
Arizona Lutheran is 19-15 this season and is 4-4 in their section.
Sedona joins three other 2A Central schools in the playoffs as Glendale Prep, Scottsdale Prep and Valley Lutheran also earned berths.
Of the eight automatic playoff bids for 2A volleyball, three of them belonged to 2A Central schools.
“Our division was clearly very tough, and it shows with our record this season,” Barker said. “While I believe Glendale Prep was the toughest, I still believe we could have beaten each of those teams.”
Sedona does have an experienced bunch, as six Scorpions were on Sedona’s playoff team last season.
“I expect them to come out with everything because it is win or go home and this could be their last game,” Barker said. “We should be fine as long as we play to our potential and keep our energy high throughout the match.”
Sedona captain Mary Westervelt is available for Sedona after a knee injury caused her to miss a few weeks.
“She is still in pain but the doctor said she can play as long as she wears her brace,” Barker.
Mary returns to middle blocker with Jaden Fox, as all of Sedona’s starters are available to play.
The Scorpions will also look to get a spark from outside hitter Jacki King who made her season debut on Thursday against Northland Prep Academy.
“Jacki is eligible now but other than her return the lineup should be similar to what we have run all season,” Barker said. “She did not get cleared by the Arizona Interscholastic Association at first but was ruled eligible after meeting with the board.”
King joins senior Abby Stevenson and junior Morgan Fritz at outside hitter, giving the Scorpions a lot of depth at that area.
Last season, King earned All-region First Team honors as she led the Scorpions in kills with 230 and attack attempts with 703.
If Sedona wins, the Scorpions will play on Friday.
