Andrew Evans is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Coronado High School for AZPreps365.com

Coronado lost home on its Senior Night to Dysart in straight sets (14-25, 20-25, 25-27) on Monday, Oct. 28.

The Dons’ two-game win streak was ended by the Demons, falling to 3-6 in 4A conference Black Canyon region, and 5-11 overall. The Demons improved to 6-3 in regional play and 10-7 overall. 

The Senior Night celebration honored Chandara Louis, Ellie Simon, Mikylia Gorman, and Brisa Calletano Peralta.

“I am happy to be able to play with this team for so long, being able to make friendships and hopefully long life friendships,” said senior Chandara Louis.

The first set was all Dysart, getting out to a 10-2 lead fueled by powerful serving from junior Sarah Lopez. The slow start was too much to come back from, and the Demons ultimately clinched the set with a 25-14 score. 

“I don’t think we were focused, that first set especially,” said Coronado head coach Alex Smothers. 

Although the Demons took the next two sets, the Dons put up a significantly stronger fight.

The second set was highlighted by multiple powerful kills from Lopez and sophomore Noelani Springer. The Dons stayed within six points the entire set, but could not mount a comeback in the end.

In the third set, the Dons held a 24-23 lead, but could not serve out the set as the Demons would win two out of the next three points to finish off the victory.

“They served us off the court,” Smothers said. “When we continuously had aces coming at us, that is when we got into a rut.”

With it being senior night, emotions were running high for the Dons. 

Louis was the most reliable server for the Dons, doing well to keep them close in the second and third sets.

The feelings of happiness and gratitude were accompanied by feelings of sadness among the Coronado seniors.

“I’m pretty sad to leave,” said senior Ellie Simon, who was visibly emotional after the conclusion after the game. “Overall, it was a great experience.” 

One of things that stood out to Smothers was the progress that the senior class has made throughout the years.

“I came here three years ago, when they were all sophomores, and they really embraced everything with the new culture," Smothers said. "They’re the cornerstones of why we’ve gone through a couple of seasons without any wins, and now this season we’ve got five wins. They’ve had a tremendous impact on this program. They’re gonna be missed”

Despite the loss, Smothers thought the performance was indicative of the progress that the Dons made throughout this season as well.

“At the beginning of the season, they [Dysart] handled us,” Smother said. “We’ve come a long way this year."

Coronado’s regular season finale will take place at Desert Sunrise on Wednesday at 5 p.m.