“Ain’t nobody like Paradise Valley!” 

The socially-distant Trojan volleyball fans, no more than three dozen in total, roared before the final point in the third set of the Trojans’ final home game of the season, a pendulum four-set loss to the Ironwood Eagles. 

The game dualed as ‘Senior Night’, and before the opening serve, the underclassmen players used the PA system to recognize the five seniors playing their final home game as Trojans: Madeline Muller (who was unable to make the game), Molli Townsend, Lauren Hellestrae, Amelia Casebolt and Grace Gin. 

Despite losing in four sets, Paradise Valley proved that they aren’t a team willing to roll over in the face of adversity. 

It didn’t always appear that way.

Leading the way for the Eagles were McKenzie and McKenna Omoruyi, both standing well over six-feet and forming a formidable tandem when paired in front of the net. 

When either of Ironwood’s Omoruyi sisters were set up for a spike, the ball might as well have been struck by Thor’s Möljnir itself. 

Both the volleyball and the hardwood had good reason to be afraid on Tuesday night. The Omoruyis combined for 19 kills.

The Trojans faced a 24-7 deficit in the first set before embarking on one of the most bewildering momentum-shifting runs of their season. 

Paradise Valley, led by senior Amelia Casebolt, tore off eleven consecutive points to make the score 24-18 before finally losing the set 25-18.

The performance from Casebolt in the first set epitomized her development as an athlete over the course of the last four years.

Casebolt was once nicknamed the ‘gentle giant’ by her coaches because of her passivity. Yet, here she was, lighting a match under her teammates in the biggest game of the season.

“Amelia, from last year to this year, is way bigger, stronger and more confident,” head coach Jessica Spencer said.  “When she gets on fire or angry, that’s when she’s on her game.”

The Trojans carried momentum into the second set, trading scores with an Ironwood team that not long ago looked ready to make early dinner plans. 

Ultimately, Ironwood finished on top, winning the second set 25-20. 

Emma Parmley, who finished the game with 25 kills,  stole the show in the third as her teammates continued to display remarkable resilience. 

Parmley’s ability to elevate above the net when preparing for her attacks is noticeable from anywhere in the gym. She and Casebolt combined to tie the game 21-21 late in the third set. 

Annie Maschue and Amelia Casebolt scored to give Paradise Valley a 24-23 lead and inspire an impromptu chant from the Trojan faithful in the stands. Jadyn Armstrong scored the winning point to force a fourth set. 

In the fourth, the Eagles finally looked mentally prepared to put the game to rest. Myia Williams and Kaylee Logan each came up with huge plays in the fourth to extend the lead. 

Paradise Valley lost the fourth set, 25-20.

With this loss, the Trojans were, for all intents and purposes, removed from any realistic playoff picture scenario. 

Coach Spencer had praise for the Eagles on Tuesday.

“I think they’re a pretty good team," she said. "Ironwood is very scrappy. They didn’t let anything hit the floor and they played great defense.”

Paradise Valley managed to remain in good spirits after the game, motivated by the valiant and hard-fought effort they left on the court.

“I really don’t know what changed,” said Casebolt. “But we were definitely working so much better as a team and having fun the whole time.”

Casebolt was one of five seniors to be recognized on ‘Senior Night’, and for her, the whole experience was quite surreal.

She remembers her older sister’s volleyball ‘Senior Night’ experience four years ago, when Amelia was just a freshman. 

“I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ll ever be there. It seems so far away,’”she said, “And now I’m here. I’m really glad I got to play four seasons with such strong girls.”

Coach Jessica Spencer had praise for the seniors and their ability to improve and grow. 

“This is my second year with them and I think they all have grown so much with their strength and knowledge on the court,” she said, “They grew from girls into young women.”

The Trojans will play their last game of the season on the road against Shadow Mountain Wednesday night.