SUNRISE REGION: Green Valley sweeps Las Vegas to retain crown

The last time Green Valley’s girls volleyball team played Las Vegas High in the postseason, the Wildcats took the first set before the Gators came back for the win.

Nikki Drost made sure the Gators didn’t start the same way again.

Drost had 16 kills, seven digs and six aces Friday to help Green Valley sweep Las Vegas, 25-16, 25-14, 25-11 in the Sunrise Region final at Legacy.

“We knew we had worked hard all summer, and we really wanted this,” the sophomore outside hitter said. “I was just trying to be smart with my hits. I wanted to give my all and just hit.”

The Gators (29-6) scored the first seven points of the match to take the first set easily. Drost had six kills. The defending Sunrise Region champions then took an 8-2 lead to start the second set before pulling away.

“We knew (Las Vegas) would be fired up,” Green Valley coach Erin Hill said. “So we just came in, brought enthusiasm and brought everything we had, because we wanted to make sure we had a real strong start. And we did.”

Carly Scheiss had 10 kills and three aces, including five kills and an ace to help the Gators pull away in the second set, and Jenna Swaffer dished out 34 assists for Green Valley.

“We had to have passion, and pushed ourselves as hard as we could go,” said Scheiss, who also earned Southeast League Most Valuable Player honors. “We really played as a team, and it always helps to have each other’s backs.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter who gets the kills, just as long as we win.”

Scheiss and Drost continuously pounded the outside, occasionally alternating on passes from Swaffer and libero Alexa Drost, who finished with 19 digs.

“They complement each other well,” Hill said of Nikki Drost and Scheiss. “But it’s the ball control that we have that allows our whole offense to run.”

Sommer King and Julie Dramise added five kills apiece for Green Valley, and Dramise served up four aces.

The Gators, who finished second at state last year, advanced to the Class 4A state tournament Friday at Chaparral.

“It’s exciting to know that we have a chance again,” Scheiss said. “We’ve got to make the most of this opportunity.”

Tiffany Jackson had 12 assists and two aces for Las Vegas, and Mattie Ventling added four kills for the Wildcats, who will play Centennial in a state play-in match Monday at Chaparral.

Carly Cottle contributed three kills and two blocks for Las Vegas.