Centennial rebounds to topple Sierra Vista

First, the mind.

Down two games to none against Sierra Vista in the Sunset Region girls volleyball semifinals Thursday night at Silverado High and unable to keep momentum, Centennial often found itself susceptible at the first line of attack.

Coach Shannon Alia made a slight adjustment, directing her net players to resist drifting away from hitters.

"My middle blockers weren't really staying with their hitters," Alia said after the Bulldogs' 16-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 15-12 win over Sierra Vista (15-6). "They were late on the block and weren't really following their line of approach.

"I told them to stay with the hitters, jump when they jumped, and that's when we turned it around."

Second, the body.

Shoulders slumped, faces soured, frustration mounted among the Bulldogs.

But an early run and an even keel kept Centennial competing in the crucial third game, and the change in the team's body image was remarkable.

Third, the spirit.

Heading into the between-game huddle with their backs against the wall, Alia knew she had to speak directly to her player's hearts.

"I told them that we were the defending champs, that (Sierra Vista) had nothing to lose and we had everything to lose," Alia said. "I told them that we needed to pull it out right now and that the heart of a champion would come through."

And after three inspired games, including a high-energy, back-and-forth fifth game, the Bulldogs (17-3) won a spot in the regional final today against powerhouse Durango (20-2).

Johnna Brown had 21 digs, nine kills and two blocks for Centennial, and teammate Dannielle York had 13 digs and 11 kills.

The Trailblazers made relatively easy work of Palo Verde, winning 25-21, 25-22, 25-10.

Facing a mammoth front line that includes 6-foot-6-inch Hayley Spelman, the Panthers (16-6) kept the first two games close, gaining confidence until it seemed to evaporate toward the end of both games.

"They came out tough the first two games, they could do it, they could put the ball away," coach Amy Rogers said. "But that third game, they were just out. The biggest challenge is the mental part of the game -- trying to keep them up, keep them motivated. It was pretty apparent that they all got down."

Spelman led the way with 17 kills and eight digs, and Jordan Nitz added 10 kills for Durango.

• SUNRISE REGION -- It was fitting for Silverado's Taylor Richard to serve the ball on match point against Green Valley (15-6).

It was fitting for Richard to have two important digs on the ensuing play.

It was fitting for Richard to scream loudly and pump her fist after teammate Rebecca Agae's block crept down the net to the floor, icing the Skyhawks' 21-25, 25-11, 26-24, 25-21 Sunrise Regional semifinals win.

Silverado's emotional sophomore exploded in the deciding fourth game, racking up 11 of her 23 kills.

"Taylor was all over the court; she definitely led the team," assistant coach Lauren Dunsmore said. "I think when she's up, everybody else is up. And she's only a sophomore, which is amazing for her to be such a leader."

Silverado (18-1) will meet Southeast Division rival Coronado (18-3) in the championship match at 7 p.m. today. The Cougars made easy work of Las Vegas High, 25-7, 25-20, 25-14, behind the connection of outside hitter Jennifer Singer and setter Sam McCosh. Singer had 13 kills, nine digs and nine aces, and McCosh added 28 assists and seven kills.

Chenoa Rossi-Childress had 16 digs and 11 kills for Las Vegas (15-6).