Emma Fitzgerald is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Dobson High School for AZPreps365.com

MESA – The Dobson Mustangs walked away with a love over loss mindset after losing to the Westwood Warriors Thursday night.

The Mustangs played the Warriors on the road for their last away game of the season. While it ended in a 0-3 loss, the Mustangs had a lot of passion and positivity through the game. 

“This is our last away game with our seniors,” team captain Lyric McCormick said. “So really just enjoying the moment and the game.”

While listening to music before the match, McCormick walked along the court greeting teammates and fans. As the players prepared for their match, they focused on warming up but also building connection through handshakes and high fives. 

After Westwood kicked off the first set with a 10-point run, Dobson struggled to keep up and figure out how to get some points on the board. Westwood was loud both in the stands and on the bench while Dobson was pretty quiet.

With the score of 6-15, McCormick pulled her first of several dumps to which the Warriors could not return back. The move seemed to throw the Warriors out of their rhythm as it was a different play from the traditional bump-set-spike play.

“To give our hitters a break and everything, when I see them, like, in their heads and everything, I just dump,” McCormick said. 

Along with several dumps to gain Dobson some points on the board, McCormick also focused on her teamwork with Outside Hitter Maniya Pless.

Throughout the game, McCormick and Pless would work together on a zero tempo play which involved McCormick’s firm sets and Pless’ quick hits.

“Those were a lot of fun to run,” Pless said.

The two players relied on their chemistry to run their plays together which helped build momentum. Pless and McCormick’s teamwork stems from playing together for about five years which brings the players joy on and off the court.

“I've never been as close to someone as I've been close to Manaya,” McCormick said. “I've never cared for someone as much as I cared for her.”

While the energy and focus was stronger through the second and third sets, Dobson’s back row had some challenges. They struggled to retrieve some balls that landed in the back court which cost the Mustangs several points throughout the match. 

“Our first line of defense for our back row is actually the front row in blocking,” Head coach Kaitlyn Johnson said. “So it means that I need to work with them on sealing the block against bigger and stronger hitters than them and how to push back against that.”

By the third set, the Mustangs had not won a set yet and were in need of some points. With a score of 6-14, McCormick pulled out her dump twice more which led to a three-point run for the Mustangs.

McCormick had a smile on her face and the team locked in for a long volley. Dobson scored a quick point by giving a strong pass, the Warriors hit it firmly, the ball quickly hit the ceiling and shot down hitting the Warriors side of the court. 

The Dobson bench was ecstatic and the energy was back up which helped tighten up the score. Dobson remained focused and carried its high energy through the end of the game. 

While the Mustangs did not walk out with a win, they walked out with some memories and strong relationships. With one more game left, Dobson is not only focused on the game but being in the moment and appreciating the memories along the way.

“Knowing that this is coming to an end and remembering, just remembering the whole entire game,” McCormick said. “Taking the mindset from the game on to everything else.”