It was almost as if Shadow Ridge’s four-point rally to win the third set 26-24 was immediately erased.

Instead of seizing that momentum from grabbing a 2-1 lead in sets, the Stallions played tentative volleyball. Meanwhile, Mesa Red Mountain was having the time of its life breaking a historic barrier.

The visiting #21 seed controlled the final two sets to win the Nov. 4 play-in match 25-18, 20-25, 24-26, 25-14, 15-6.

“Our conversation after the third set was not about mechanics or strategy. It was a quick reminder that volleyball is a game that is supposed to be fun. My only request was that they bring some joy to the court. They stepped on the court like they couldn’t wait to touch the ball,” Red Mountain Coach Tracie Garrad said.

One of two 6A teams — along with Gilbert Higley — to w

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