Imperial volleyball sweeps Gila Ridge for second straight win

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Imperial Tigers continued their strong start to the volleyball season Wednesday night, sweeping the Gila Ridge Hawks in straight sets at Hawks Gym.

Imperial entered the matchup looking for its second consecutive victory and got off to a fast start in the opening set, jumping out to a 4-0 lead.

Gila Ridge battled back and kept the set competitive, but the Tigers continued to find success offensively.

Juliana Hernandez helped set up Maci-Jo Clayton for a point that extended Imperial's lead to 10-7.

The Hawks responded with a powerful kill from Braxtyn Van Hyning, cutting the Tigers' advantage to two.

Imperial, however, regained momentum later in the set. Kendall Ramirez set up Payton Davis, who delivered a well-placed drop shot to extend the Tigers' lead.

Imperial went on to win the opening set, 25-18.

The Tigers carried that momentum into the final two sets, winning both to complete the 3-0 sweep.

Imperial improved to 8-2 on the season, while Gila Ridge fell to 0-5 and remains in search of its first victory.