Turning into a human pinball on a volleyball court was the last thing Aubrey Michalos likely expected.

Michalos deserved a pat on the back after smashing a quick set in the second game of San Tan Charter’s season opener.

What the middle blocker got instead was a shove or two—or three—in the back and wound up falling to Phoenix Christian’s floor. Michalos and her teammates laughed at the moment the tight-knit team shared during their 25-21, 25-11, 25-10 sweep.

“It was like the perfect set, and I was like, ‘I need to make this,’” Michalos said. “And I did. And then I turn around and I’m shoved all over the place. But that’s how we show our affection and love for each other. So I didn’t really mind it. But I got a scratch on my lip, and it was kind of funny to be honest.”

After some opening game jitters, San Tan Charter settled down, started to have fun and serve strong.

The Roadrunners had eight aces in the final two sets while Phoenix Christian’s passing game struggled after a back-and-forth Game 1.

But Valley volleyball coaching veteran Terry Sutter of Phoenix Christian remained positive throughout the match.

“This team is going to be a great passing team this year,” Sutter said. “So I am so encouraged, because what went wrong in the second and third sets is fixable.”

Sutter’s team faced a very experienced program, with seven juniors and seven seniors, that’s reached the postseason the last three years.

“Skill wise,” first-year San Tan Charter coach Kristal Harris said, “we have a good team. It’s just about what are we going to do with it.”

Add Harris’ experience as a former NAU and ASU volleyball player, and the Roadrunner have the potential to make a run in 2A this year.

They’ve got two reliable setters in Ryleigh Smith and Ella Shoap and a couple of high jumpers in Peyton Schwinden and Katie Sippel on the outside. They also have a couple of other valuable parts as well as camaraderie.

That was clearly evident during Wednesday’s pinball, er, volleyball match.

“I do expect to make it to the playoffs, and we really have a good shot this year,” Michalos said. “But honestly I’m excited to be doing this with the people that I love and playing the sport that I love.

“We’ve been playing together since fifth grade, so they are like my family to me. The court is my second home, and I love all of my family.”