Brandon Bonaparte is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Horizon Honors for AzPreps365.com

In a 3-0 loss to Valley Christian, the unhappiest Horizon Honors Eagle was a spectator to the season-opening sweep..

Senior outside hitter Camryn Marshall suffered a sprained LCL in a scrimmage last week, preventing her from seeing action Thursday.

While the rest of the team was in uniform and ready to face their rival, Marshall was dressed in all black sporting a knee brace.

Marshall watched from the sideline as her team struggled to gain offensive consistency throughout the night.

“Camryn’s one of our leaders,'' said head coach Kris Maglunog. She was one of the captains chosen.

"Someone that you picked and looked up to is now not on the floor. That’s a huge blow.''

Marshall believes she still plays a pivotal role in the Eagles success.

“I’ve been a leader on this team for three years now,” Marshall said. “I am trying to get everyone to bring up their leadership skills.”

While sidelined for four to six weeks, Marshall remains positive and looks for different ways of being involved in the game.

“I’m looking at it as a way for me to view the game from a different perspective,” said Marshall. “I’ve definitely taken on more of a coaching role on the team rather than a player role.”

Aside from her leadership and experience, Marshall's production on the court will be largely missed by Horizon Honors. The senior racked up 434 kills with a hitting percentage of .222 over her first three years of playing at the varsity level.

“She brings a lot to the court,” said Mya Smith, a senior middle. “I feel like I’m more confident out there with her setting up my blocking.”

In Thursday’s game against Valley Christian, Horizon Honors never led in the three sets. Life without Marshall will pose a challenge for Horizon Honors. Players like Smith have noticed a change in dynamic, but also view it as a way to re-invent the team’s identity.

“As a team, we can learn how to be more scrappy,” said Smith.

With Marshall out, the Eagles need other players to step up and fill the void.

Looking for newfound offense, Maglunog turned to his other outside hitter, senior Jordan Cook.

“With [Marshall] out, Jordan is going to get a lot of swings,” said Maglunog.

Horizon Honors is looking at eight to 12 more games without their star outside hitter. The Eagles hope to avenge Thursday’s loss next Tuesday at Ben Franklin.