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

Six sets have been played in the Horizon Honors arena. All six have been won by the visiting team.

The latest was Chandler Prep, which swept Horizon Honors 3-0 Wednesday.

The struggles at home are a cause for concern but the Eagles remain patient and work to make sure their nest is protected.

“We got to learn what works for us, and we just haven’t found it yet,” said libero Madison Rowlee.

Rowlee, a senior, notices the differences from this team compared to past squads.

“Now we are more of a smaller team. Making errors and making mistakes… we have to minimize,” said Rowlee. “Last year…we were really deep on our bench. We relied on a lot of [different] people.”

While playing in front of a large home crowd seems ideal, some Horizon Honors players realize the challenges it also brings.

“It’s nerve-wracking being at home and having all of our friends and family supporting us,” said Jordan Cook, senior outside hitter. “We have to focus on our side of the court, not so much on the other side. Whether we are at home or away, it’s the same game.”

Cook, a captain, believes that most of the Eagles issues come from between the ears.

“I think we really need to focus on our mental game and our mental toughness,” said Cook.

The mental side of the game was the post game message that Eagles coach Kris Maglunog centered on.

“We have to be more mentally tough,” Maglunog said.

Maglunog hopes to use these early season losses as teaching points for matches later in the season.

“Looking forward, we have to cut down on the silly mistakes,” he said.

While in defeat, Horizon Honors had its fair share of opportunities to seize momentum in the match, including a second set that featured a late surge that came up short 25-23.

When down in crunch time, Maglunog believes Horizon Honors needs to “[take] it back to one point at a time.”

Chandler Prep had the height advantage  but Maglunog’s message references classic lore in sports film.

“In Hoosiers, when they measure the court, it’s still the same court,” said Maglunog. “When we are in a position to win, we have to toughen up.”

The Eagles hope to toughen up against their next foe Thursday night at Fountain Hills.