Matadors volleyball makes light work of Central Arizona in Region I semis

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona Western volleyball is heading back to the Region I championship after sweeping Central Arizona in straight sets Wednesday night at The House.

The Matadors entered the Region I semifinal matchup with plenty of confidence, having defeated the Vaqueras three times during the regular season without dropping a single set. Arizona Western continued that dominance in the postseason, earning another straight-set victory to advance to the regional final.

Arizona Western set the tone early with a 25-14 win in the opening set before carrying that momentum into the second. The Matadors showcased their defensive hustle when Khansas Tuisamatatele kept the ball alive with a bump, followed by a diving effort from Yebin Ban to allow Tuisamatatele the opportunity to send it back over the net. Central Arizona attempted to respond, but a smooth sequence from Nanami Nobuhara and Ban set up Maria Maeda for the finishing spike.

Blanca Terminel then helped Arizona Western pull away with a strong serving performance, recording an ace as part of a stretch in which she accounted for six consecutive points. The Matadors closed out the second set 25-10 to move within one of the sweep.

The Matadors continued to capitalize on their connections across the court, as the Region One Libero of the Year Ban set up the Region One Setter of the Year Tuisamatatele for the match-clinching spike.

The straight-set victory sends Arizona Western back to the Region I Championship, the same stage the Matadors fell short of reaching a year ago. They will return to their home court Wednesday to compete for a regional title.