The Falcons volleyball team had a split pair of matches last week, besting the visiting team from Scottsdale Christian before falling to a tough team from Payson in an extremely close competition.

This week, the Lady Falcons played on the road against Estrella Foothills Tuesday evening and will be back on the local court for a homecoming week game tomorrow, Sept. 25, to take on Tempe Prep at 6 p.m.

Local fans will also be able to see the Lady Falcons as their float drives by during the homecoming parade this afternoon, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m.

Play continues this weekend as the team heads to the Estrella Foothills tournament Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27.

Head coach Christie Slegers said that everyone is invited out to cheer on the Falcons, especially during home matches where lucky spectators can earn themselves a free pizza courtesy of Little Caesars.

Between the JV and varsity matches at the high school, willing participants can step out onto the court and serve a volleyball across the net. If you manage to hit a Little Caesars pizza box on the other side of the court, you’ll earn yourself a free pizza.

Scottsdale

The Falcons’ week of back-to-back home matches began with a showdown against Scottsdale Christian on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

The Falcons struggled in the first game, losing 25-12, but managed to bounce back quickly and take control of the match.

The local ladies rode a wave of three wins in a row to claim the overall victory, 28-26, 25-18, 25-21.

Leading the Falcons in serving was freshman Amara Feyrer-Melk, earning 13 points and three aces throughout the match. Reagan Chalmers added 10 points to the team pot through scoring, including an ace. The Falcons managed seven aces, all told.

Amara Feyrer-Melk led the team with 27 hits, including seven kills. Kelly Pederson hit for 26 with seven kills of her own.

Gabby Mei proved indispensable with 83 sets.

“As captain, Gabby leads the team by example on the court in both practices and games,” Slegers added.

Paige Greenly led the Falcon defense with 25 blocks. Amanda Barbagallo dominated the back court, managing 24 passes and 38 digs.

Payson

Two nights later, the Falcons found themselves back on the home court, this time welcoming the Payson Longhorns.

This was the Falcons’ second close outing in a row but, unfortunately, this one didn’t swing in the local ladies’ favor as the team went on to lose three matches straight, 25-20, 26-24, 25-12.

“Even though we had a loss, the FHHS players moved well, picking up tips, passing well in the first two sets and kept the ball in play with long rallies,” Slegers said.

“Also, there were no missed serves in the entire match. The best I’ve seen thus far.”

Paige Greenly was strong at the net this outing with 28 blocks, effectively shutting down Payson’s middle hitter, according to Sleger.

“Paige also dug a ball, diving to the floor as well as having six hits, with two being kills,” she added.

“Paige played a very aggressive game at the net.”

Mei added in 16 serves and seven points this outing, with Madeline Feyrer-Melk earning three aces.

“Amara Feyrer-Melk once again led the team with 40 hits and eight kills,” Slegers said.

“Kelly Pederson had 28 hits, with three being kills.”

For those fans who have noticed the absence of traditional Falcon staple Jalin Yoder, coach Slegers explained that she’s been out due to a knee injury following the Wickenburg match in early September and is due back this week.

“Since Sept. 4, Amara Feyrer-Melk has done a terrific job stepping up to lead the team in hits as an outside hitter,” Slegers said.

Offensively, Mei led the team against Payson with 84 sets.

“Besides Paige Greenly shutting down Payson’s middle hitter, Amanda Barbagallo and Madison Feyrer-Melk led the team with passing,” Slegers added.

“Barbagallo and Amara Feyrer-Melk led the team with five good digs each.”