Michael Kain is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Arizona Lutheran for AZPreps365.com

The Arcadia Titans hosted the Saguaro Sabercats in a tough 4A Desert Sky matchup. Despite coming off of four-straight losses, the Titans came in hot, and the energy between the players and the student section was electric.

The first set began with a rough start for Arcadia, as it found themselves trailing 10-4 early. Arcadia’s comeback started with the defensive efforts led by libero Raegan Jackson, who recorded five crucial digs in the opening set. Arcadia clawed back with a six-point run late in the set, taking set one in. a 25-21 victory.

In the second set, the Sabercats got off to an early lead five-point lead, however, Arcadia’s outside hitter Lane Sheedy took over with nine digs, playing a huge role in Arcadia’s defense. Katie Musselmann, the Titans’ middle blocker, also stepped up, delivering three key kills late in the set. Arcadia secured another comeback set victory, finishing set two, 25-19. The Titans were fired up with help from the crowd, and the Sabercats were starting to check out.

By the third set, the momentum was in Arcadia’s favor.

The Titans dominated the rest of the match with kill after kill until the set concluded with a score of 25-9, giving Arcadia a sweep over Saguaro and pushing the record to 8-7 on the season.

Arcadia head coach Adrian Chang said he was excited with the effort that broke their losing streak tonight.

“Very good,” he said, reflecting on the victory. “Our focus tonight was knowing we have the talent and the potential. An injury bug has hit us pretty hard this year, but getting back to basics and enjoying volleyball got us through the win.”

Chang highlighted the importance of teamwork among the players, crediting the positive energy from his team and fans for their successful comeback.

“We’ve got a very special group led by some special seniors," he said. "They’ve put in the work over the last four years to rebuild the culture and remind us that it’s not over until it’s over."

On the other side of the net, Saguaro head coach Jherra Wilson reflected on the challenges her team faced. Wilson was named coach of the year for the region after leading the Sabercats to a remarkable 28-10 record last season.

“It’s definitely a great honor,” she shared. “I knew I was coming into a group of really talented athletes, and they trusted in me.”

Despite the loss, Wilson remained optimistic about the future for Saguaro.

“After the tough loss against Arcadia, we’re focusing on getting healthy. Hopefully, those who are injured will return, and our transfer Nylah Bibby will be eligible to play," Wilson said. "We’re excited to see what she can bring.”

Musselmann, one of the Titans' key players, discussed the current season's challenges, especially with the absence of former star players like Zoe Leonard and Taylor Soule who graduated last year.

“I think we really stepped it up this year, and I feel like we've grown as a team,” she said, seeming very focused on the rest of their schedule.

With their eyes set on their upcoming match against the Desert Mountain Wolves, Arcadia looks to build on this victory.

“This is definitely a game we've had circled on our calendars all season, and we’re excited to bring it this year,”  Chang said. 

The Titans look to continue to turn their season around and show that they are a top team within the 4A Desert Sky Conference.