By Carter Sampson

I don’t know a lot about volleyball. Actually, I know nothing about volleyball. But when I go to our volleyball team’s games, I can tell three things: 1)  Mary Shroll is the most dominant player on the floor.  2) Our football team is crazy. 3) The Knights are having much more fun than the opposing team.

The Knights cheer, dive, and jump all over the court to make up for their lack of size. With very little height, they have to make up ground with energy. Through hard work and love for volleyball, the team has found success despite being vertically challenged and inexperienced.

The best example of the fire the Knights play with was their game against then second ranked Phoenix Country Day School. TPA battled against the more experienced team for two close sets, and won both! While the PCDS players and fans looked on in frustration, the Knights ran away with the last set, crushing the Eagles 25-14. Led by Shroll’s double-double (11 kills, 11 digs), and Seniors Becca Knebelsberger, Emily Hartzler, and Claire Carmody.

When asked about her team, Mary Shroll says, “I love how funny they are and always uplifting… I love playing with the team!”

While the team is bonding and achieving great success as a unit, Mary has also achieved much individually. She was selected as Female Athlete of the Week by AzCentral for her outstanding performance, which means she stood above every female athlete in the entire state that week. Mary also leads the division in kills per set, averaging 4.8, which also makes her second in the state, regardless of school size. Not bad for a sophomore.

The Knights have played their hearts out this year, and need us to help cheer them on. So let’s go out to support them. Good Luck Knights!