No. 1 Gilbert Christian spikes Northwest Christian in girls volleyball

The Gilbert Christian girls volleyball team showed why it is ranked No. 1 in AIA 3A with a 3-0 victory over seventh-ranked Northwest Christian in a battle of top-ranked teams on Thursday, Oct. 15.

The Knights improved to 29-4, while the Crusaders fell to 21-9.

Gilbert Christian dominated all three sets, 25-20, 25-13 and 25-19.

Gilbert Christian's Lillie Duitsman and Shay Loth were keys to the Knights' win.

"I think in the beginning we struggled with our energy, toward the end we started to stay aggressive," Duitsman said.

Northwest Christian's Charlize Braddock had seven kills and eight digs for the Crusaders.

Both teams play again on Oct. 19. Gilbert Christian faces No. 4 Payson, while Northwest Christian takes on Mohave.