After the second Sedona Red Rock High School loss in its past three matches Tuesday, Oct. 20, to Northwest Christian High School, the mission is clear for a return to the state volleyball tournament after next week: Win out.

That is what the Scorpions, currently the last Division III seed in the playoffs at No. 32 in the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s power rankings, will need to do in their final three matches, beginning Monday, Oct. 26, at Section VII leader Scottsdale Christian Academy.

“I’m excited to see how we close out the year,” head coach John Parks said. “I’m expecting them to really turn it on. I think they’re ready to turn a corner, have two good days of practice in which they mesh a little bit and a really strong finish.”

The Scorpions have that ability with senior Kendall Woellmer and junior Sophia Perry both back in town, and the shoulder of junior Julia Koss healed enough for 14 kills in a three games to one loss Oct. 20.

“She’s still working on adjusting her mechanics to help her swing,” Parks said. “Now that we’re pretty much close to full strength, I can put people back in their positions they’re more successful in. I haven’t had my entire team healthy and on the court at the same time since the first week of the season.”

As one of three sophomores in the starting lineup for the first time since Parks’ first year nearly 20 seasons ago, Liza Westervelt led SRRHS with six ace serves and 18 digs on defense.

“We have a young, inexperienced team still learning to deal with pressure situations,” Parks said. “How to close out games takes practice time. We’ve won a few, but we’re not there yet to start winning a few more.”

Woellmer added another nine kills, while fellow senior Annie Parrella recorded five aces as the Scorpions dropped their second and fourth games, 25-23, after opening with a 25-18 win.

For the full story, sectional and overall standings, please see the Friday, Oct. 23, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.