Lady Broncs sweep Needles

PARKER - The Lady Broncs’ varsity volleyball team continued their winning ways by sweeping a home match with the Needles Mustangs Thursday, 25-15, 25-19, and 28-26.

It was a match-up between the reigning Arizona 3A State Champions and Nevada State Runners-up in the equivalent class.

Needles is a California school, but, given its remote location, the school plays in the Nevada athletic association.

In the first game, Parker got off to a quick 7-0 lead and didn’t look back. The Mustangs made a strong run, but they couldn’t overcome that deficit. In the second game, it looked liked the roles were reversed as Needles quickly built a 6-0. However, the Lady Broncs came charging back, took the lead, and held on to win.

The third game turned into a thriller, as the Lady Broncs fell behind early but soon caught up. Both teams hung tough, and neither side seemed able to pull ahead. This tough play, combined with some penalties on both sides, led to a 25-24 Parker lead when Needles tied it up. For a time, it seemed like neither team could get the two-point lead needed to win the game. Down by 26-24, the Lady Broncs got three straight points to take the game.

Hitters Maryam Gary and Liz Prieto, along with setter Megan Zynda, led the Parker offense. Zynda also served nine points and three aces. Marlyn Peters also served up nine points with an ace.

The Parker junior varsity also swept their match with Needles. They took two games by scores of 26-24 and 25-19.

This Saturday, the Lady Broncs will head to Lake Havasu City for the Lake Havasu High School Mary Jo Goldey Invitational Tournament. The Lady Broncs have won the tournament for the third year in a row.

The next home date will be on Sept. 15, when the Lady Broncs host the Yuma Catholic Shamrocks. The JV-B is scheduled for 4 p.m., the JV-A at 5, and the varsity at 6 p.m.