After beating El Dorado for the first time in program history last Friday night, Pebble Hills earned back-to-back wins when they defeated the Aztecs in three sets on Tuesday night.

The game started with a tribute to the late grandfather of senior Paige Hopper. Hopper, who finished the game with 8 kills, shared that she plays every game in his honor. 

“It felt like they really cared for him,” Hopper said about the tribute the volleyball program put together over the PA system.

With an 8-2 run to start the first set, Ariel Martinez dove for the ball -one inch away from saving the point. Martinez, who was libero during the first frame, showed a lot of grit by covering the majority of the court.

Consecutive aces from the Spartans extended the lead. With the 22-10 score, the Spartans’ momentum continued. Senior Eileen Herrera converted on a block, putting the Spartans a point away from clinching the first set. Pebble Hills finished the first frame with a win, 25-12. 

Hopper started the next set off with an ace. Never looking back, Pebble Hills won set two, 25-22. 

“During the second set we got comfortable because we won by a lot of points, but the third set they came back harder so we had to be more prepared,” Herrera said.

The Aztecs gained momentum and took the lead late in the third set. Three points away from extending the match, Hopper and her team went into overdrive to clinch the win, 25-23.  

“It shows how much talent we have this year and how much chemistry we have built throughout these past few weeks,” Hopper said after their third consecutive win. 

The Aztecs have been struggling this season, including a now 1-4 record on the road.

Herrera feels confident moving forward into the second game of the week against San Elizario. The two teams met at Franklin last Friday, where the Spartans were able to pull out a win in tournament play.