On March 3rd, 2026, Sahuaro’s Boys Volleyball, JV, and varsity teams started their season off with a home game against Amphitheatre.
The boys’ junior varsity team started at 4:00 pm, with the boys warming up right after school, and the varsity team cheering them on just behind the bench. The first set started off extremely energized with 11th-grade Matthew setting at the front and the libero, 11th-grade Nehemiah, leading their team. The Cougars took the win of the first set out of three with a score of 25-6. The second set was even more vocalized across the gym with both families and students joining in to cheer their fellow Cougars to a close victory of 27-25.
As the gym began to fill up, the varsity boys team began their warm-ups for a possible five-set game. It included arm stretches, simple passing drills, and as it got closer to game time they practiced their serves and hitting skills with both Senior Javi and Junior Ethan at the net setting. None of the boys were low in spirit, warming up with their heads held high, and energy through the roof. As the time for the first set crept up, the boys got together for one last pep talk and for their introduction to the court. With six starters, the team was ready.
Coach Wharam, the head coach stood just off the court, in order for the boys to hear his encouragement and solutions. Set one was not close, starting strong and mighty, the Cougars took the win with a score of 25-3. Their second set was one for learning, introducing some rookie players and some who haven’t been able to attend all practices, they still won by a landslide, 25-9. There was no time for backing off. Coach Wharam and Coach Connor reminded the boys exactly that right before their third set, because winning the first 3 out of 5 meant a quick, rewarding win for the Cougars. Due to losing the first two sets, the Amphi team was going all in for the third set, putting in their best and giving it their all; however, the Sahuaro boys did what they do best and worked together, remembering to listen, speak up, and stay focused.
The Sahuaro cage and bench erupted in cheers as the Sahuaro Cougars won 25-12 after putting up a fight and having fun. The two teams shook hands before the boys took off to celebrate together as they won their first game of the 2025-2026 season. Junior varsity player Gaving Kawaguchi following their win said, “I hope the season goes smoothly, and the team makes it to state again this year,” reminiscing on the past and the hope for the future. Varsity player, Ethan Bunch stated that with the fact of missing players and having only two full practices leading up to game day, they did better than expected, “There is still plenty to improve on for the season but we are off to a great start and I have very high hopes of going to state this year.”
With that, the season has just begun. To support your fellow Cougars, make sure to stay up to date with the latest game days and schedules, both home and away. The boys will be playing on March 6th at St. Augustine, March 11th at Sahuarita, and the nearest home game will be March 24th against Sunnyside. To stay in the loop for future games and set times, follow the official Boys Volleyball page on Instagram at “sahuarobvb”.
