Coconino's Laurel Cernohous (5) leans in to pass during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's McKenlee Lund (21) sends an attack over the net during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's Naomi Gray (10) pokes the ball over the net during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's Lucie Whiting (4) dives to keep the ball alive as Paisley Rhoton (42) readies to track it down during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's Payton Phillips (6) serves during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's Laurel Cernohous (5) leans in to pass during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Although he hadn't seen his top pairing in many must-win situations throughout the regular season, Panthers beach volleyball head coach Scott Dendy was confident his seniors could get the job done Monday in the opening round of the Division II state tournament.Ìý
Lucy Stiegler and Ava Gray overcame a first-set loss at the ones, sophomores Lucie Whiting and Paisley Rhoton provided a three-set victory at the fives and sixth-seeded Coconino won a 3-2 nail-biter at home over No. 11-seeded Benjamin Franklin for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Coconino's Lucie Whiting (4) dives to keep the ball alive as Paisley Rhoton (42) readies to track it down during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's McKenlee Lund (21) sends an attack over the net during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's Payton Phillips (6) serves during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Coconino's Naomi Gray (10) pokes the ball over the net during a first-round Division II state tournament match against Benjamin Franklin on Monday at Coconino High School.
Hattie Loper, Arizona Daily Sun
Mike Hartman is the associate editor of the Daily Sun, a role he moved into after working as the sports editor, a sports reporter and a page designer. He can be reached at [email protected]Ìý´Ç°ùÌý(928) 556-2255.Ìý
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