San Carlos edges Globe in five-set volleyball thriller

Fans from both towns packed the gym on September 11, and they got their money’s worth. Globe and San Carlos battled back and forth for nearly two hours before the Braves finally pulled out a three to two victory in a classic five-set match.

San Carlos came out strong, taking the first two sets 25-17 and 25-20 behind steady play from senior setter Drianna Dosela, who spread the ball around and kept Globe guessing. Junior outside hitter Alyssa Phillips made her presence felt on both offense and defense, while senior middle hitter Kylee Juan delivered several timely kills that shifted momentum.

Globe wasn’t about to fold, though. Backed by the fans and a steady coaching team, the Lady Tigers stormed back in the third and fourth sets, winning 25-21 and 25-20. Freshman setter Mia Kruger showed poise beyond her years, guiding the offense with crisp sets while also using her height to block at the net. Sophomore middle hitter Carlee Van Buskirk added key blocks, and junior McKaila Dillon, the most experienced Tiger, delivered big swings that kept Globe alive.

That set up a dramatic fifth set where both sides traded points until San Carlos finally edged ahead 16-14 to seal the win.

Phillips said afterward, “Our team did great. It was an exciting game with the crowd cheering for both sides. In the end we pushed through for the win. I’m proud of my team.”

Globe head coach Sandy French couldn’t hide her pride either.

“I’m so proud of the fight our team showed against San Carlos,” she said. “In a five-set match, it comes down to heart and resilience, and our Lady Tigers never backed down.”

The match also reflected the growth of volleyball across the Copper Corridor. In recent years, both Globe and San Carlos athletes have benefited from youth leagues, club programs like Gila Valley Juniors, and summer camps that are raising the level of play.

For one night, though, it was about two proud programs pushing each other to the limit in front of an energized crowd. San Carlos walked away with the win, but both sides left with plenty to build on — and plenty to be proud of.