Joseph City got off to a slow start this volleyball season, their first 10 matches. However, throughout the season they regrouped and put together enough wins down the stretch to qualify for the 1A state playoffs as the ninth overall seed.
They proved worthy of their spot with a first-round win over No. 8 Anthem Prep on Tuesday night. Joseph City prevailed in five games. They dropped the first game 23-25 but came back to even the match with a 25-15 game two win. The third game was close, with Anthem prevailing 27-25. Trailing now two games to one, the Wildcats fought back and won the final two games 25-16 and 15-8 to advance to the second round.
Samantha Jesmer was strong at the net with 14 kills. Tori Beatty added 10. The Lady Cats played strong defense led by Shenoa Skidmore’s 29 digs. Sahzira Schoby added 22, Jaydiana Kinlicheenie added 16, Tori Beatty 15 and Samantha Jesmer had 14. Schoby led in assists with 16, and Beatty was close behind with 14.
With the win, they advanced to the second round where they faced long-time foe and top-ranked Mogollon. The Mustangs put an end to Joseph City’s tournament run in three straight games. The first game of the match was close with Mogollon winning 26-24, the final two games were not as close with the Mustangs prevailing 25-15 in both.
McKenzie Jesmer led in kills with four and Beatty added three. Samantha Jesmer and Skidmore each finished with nine digs. Schoby and Beatty both added eight. Schoby led with six assists.
With the loss, Joseph City ended their season with an overall record of 13-20. They were 7-4 in regional play and 10-8 in all regular-season action.
