Skyline Gila River Opens Volleyball Season with Nail-Biter Against ASU Prep

September 12, 2025

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The Skyline Gila River Lady Mustangs kicked off their varsity volleyball season on Sept. 2 with a thrilling home match against ASU Prep Academy, drawing a packed crowd to the gymnasium.

Fans from the Gila River Indian Community and ASU Prep Academy filled the stands, standing in unity for the National Anthem before the match. Athletic Director Daveda Taylor introduced both teams, beginning with ASU Prep Academy and followed by the Lady Mustangs.

Skyline’s starting lineup featured Mary (#15), Jayliza (#11), Jaymyne (#1), Monica (#13), Jayne (#20), and Olivia (#2). The team, led by Head Coach Carol Johnson and Assistant Coach Samantha Spellman, includes 11 players. The Mustangs took the court in white tops with purple lettering and black shorts.

Among the attendees was Principal Keith Brown, who joined the crowd in cheering on the home team. The match followed a best-of-five format, with ASU Prep Academy edging out Skyline in a close 3–2 victory. The final set was decided by just three points.

“This was our first game of the season,” said Coach Johnson. “We’re learning a new system—the 6-2 rotation. It was confusing for our players in the first two games, but they started to catch on in games three and four. It’s hard to lose a match that close.”

Coach Johnson emphasized the team’s long-term development: “Sam and I are laying the foundation. We have a lot of freshmen, and we’re teaching them to set up plays, attack, and score—not just pass the ball over the net.”