The Phoenix volleyball team picked up its first win of the season Tuesday night, sweeping Elmira 25-20 and 25-20 in non-conference play at St. Mary's School. The Pirates also took on host St. Mary's, falling in three sets, 25-17, 25-23 and 25-15.

The matches marked the third time PHS has played on the young season. While other Pirate teams are being hampered by smoke, the volleyball teams are inside. The Pirates opened the season with a tournament at Yreka before taking part in a three-team event at Sutherlin that also included Siuslaw. Seniors Rae Goff, Veronica Ascencion and Ally Ellis are sharing captain duties and providing solid leadership for one of the youngest teams in the Skyline Conference.

PHS returned to action Thursday night, rallying for a 3-2 win at South Umpqua. The Pirates won the opening set 27-25 before dropping two sets. They bounced back to win the final two sets, including a 15-10 decision in the tie-breaking fifth set to wrap up the match.

Thursday, an outstanding serving night helped key the rally against host South Umpqua. Phoenix served at  93-percent rate, including 17 aces in the match. Ami Safady had five aces to go with five blocks and four kills while Ariah Potts had four aces, five kills and 18 digs. Ally Ellis dished out 17 assists and had five aces, Rae Goff had 28 digs, Veronica Ascencion finished with 12 assists and seven digs while Brianna Gaal recorded six kills.

Goff had 10 digs and an impressive seven kills in the win over Elmira on Tuesday. Saffady finished with eight kills, four aces and three blocks while Makynna Nolan finished with five kills and Seneca Ikemire four kills. 

Check out what coach Chris Richardson has to say about the Pirates https://phoenixpirates.org/main/video/id/0/vid/19205