WASHINGTON — The Mustangs galloped to a sweep of the Eagles and are 2-0 to start the season.

The Crimson Cliffs High School volleyball team showed some early-season kinks but ironed them out and rolled to a 25-20, 25-14, 25-16 non-region victory over visiting Millard.

“We’re still getting to know each other,” head coach Gabrielle Hasenbeck told St. George News after the win. “We’re gelling and it’s awesome to see the girls have a lot of focus and even if there’s a mistake, they can still come out swinging and still fight.”

Last year Crimson finished second in Region 10 at 9-3. The Mustangs lost to Desert Hills in the semifinals at the 4A state tournament, but beat Sky View to finish third overall in state.

Seven seniors return to lead the way for the Mustangs and they have high hopes.

“It makes a huge difference for leadership, for sure,” Hasenbeck said. “I think these girls understand and know what it takes to go fight. Although we got super close last year, I think there’s a lot more grit, I think there’s a lot more focus and I think there’s a lot more drive.”

The first set established the pattern for the match as Crimson built a big lead, saw the Eagles battle back, then pressed the gas pedal to finish strong.

The Mustangs led the set 9-4, 12-6 and 13-8 before the Eagles tied it at 16-16. After that the Mustangs limited their errors and secured the 5-point victory.

The Mustangs built momentum in the second set, taking advantage of an undersized Eagles squad that struggled in the return game. McCall Cottam and Riann Gines each had a kill and Crimson built 12-3 advantage.

A kill from Gines would later put Crimson ahead 18-7 and lead to the win.

In the third set, the Mustangs tall front line of Callie Finlinson, Cottam and Adah Elam took command, blocking shots and setting up big hits from the outside. The Mustangs led 13-4, 17-11 and 19-13 before securing the sweep.

“We talk about this every day, that growth mindset, in practice,” Hasenbeck said. “All of us are preparing for one goal, and all that we care about is that we’re growing every time. And if we can leave it all out there on the court, then the outcome doesn’t really matter.”

Finlinson led the Crimson attack with 10 kills. Gines posted nine and Elam knocked home eight kills. Tehanie Waters had a solid all-around performance with seven kills, five aces and 17 assists.

Region 10 play begins for Crimson Aug. 30 at home against state runner-up and defending Region 10 champion Desert Hills.

“They always seem to come out swinging, they’ll be tough competition,” Hasenbeck said. “They’ve got a few transfers in their program that I think will make a difference, and they’ve got some returners who have grown from last year.”

“I think Cedar is going to be another contender to look at. They’ve got a good outside and a good setter,” she added. “So I think those are the two matchups we’re really looking at.”

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