Yuma Catholic sweeps ALA Ironwood to advance to state playoffs

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - It was win or go home for Yuma Catholic, and the Shamrocks weren’t ready for their season to end just yet.

After a strong regular season, the girls volleyball team carried that same momentum into the play-in round of the state tournament, sweeping ALA Ironwood in straight sets to punch their ticket to Round 1.

Yuma Catholic came in as the No. 9 seed and wasted no time setting the tone. The Shamrocks took the opening set 25–21 before pulling away in the second behind the play of Natalie Lawsith and Sadie Estes, who connected for several key kills to keep the pressure on Ironwood. Annie Scarborough sealed the second set with a perfectly placed shot into the left corner, giving YC a 25-17 win.

The Warriors didn't go quietly in the third, building an early lead before the Shamrocks rallied late. Estes came up clutch once again with a dig that set up Scarborough for the match-winning kill as Yuma Catholic closed it out 25-20 to complete the sweep.

After the game, junior Sadie Estes praised her teammates for their hard work and perseverance throughout the season.

"I couldn’t do it without my teammates," Estes said. "I'm really thankful for them and the fight we've had to get this far. We want this more than any other team, and we've put in more work than anybody else."

With the win, Yuma Catholic advances to the state playoffs and will be back in action Saturday at 9 a.m.

The Shamrocks await their opponent in the 8-9 matchup and if they win again, they could be playing a second game later that same day.