Cook Street Classic: Xavier Prep rallies past rival Palm Desert in five-set thriller
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) -- Xavier Prep and Palm Desert renewed their rivalry Tuesday night in their Desert Empire League opener, and the match lived up to the hype.
The Saints rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Aztecs in five sets, 3-2, extending their league winning streak to 44 matches.
Palm Desert came out strong on their home court, winning the opening set. Senior Bryce Moranda helped the Aztecs take control early.
But Xavier Prep quickly responded.
Senior Emma Thomsen helped the Saints even the match in the second set, closing it out with back-to-back aces.
Xavier Prep carried that momentum into the third set. Thomsen continued to carry the Saints, who took a 2-1 lead in the match.
Palm Desert refused to go quietly, especially on their home court against a rival.
The Aztecs controlled the fourth set, with Kayleigh Palmer coming up with a big block to help force a decisive fifth set.
That's when Xavier Prep's championship experience showed.
Junior Gracie Frederick delivered several big swings in the final set, while Thomsen continued to make an impact.
Frederick provided key points, playing in front of her older sister Annabel, the senior star watching from the sideline after suffering a torn ACL.
Brynn Campbell ultimately closed out the match for the Saints, capping off the victory in five sets.
Xavier Prep has won four consecutive Desert Empire League championships. The Saints' last league loss came in 2021 against Palm Desert.
After the comeback victory, Xavier Prep credited their ability to stay together and believe in themselves despite facing adversity early in the season.
"I'm just so proud of my team for coming back," Xavier Prep said senior Emma Thomsen. "We've had so many unplanned injuries this season and losing the first set. I'm so proud of us for just coming back and really playing with everything that we had," said Thomsen.
Head coach Baylie Dashner was proud of her team for persevering on the road and coming away with the win.
"All heart and just believing in ourselves, remembering that we've done this before, we know how to play volleyball, and we just have to believe in ourselves and play as a team and connect as much as we can during these moments," said Dashner.
The Saints remain the Queens of Cook Street and will look to continue their dominant run in league play as they chase a fifth straight league title.
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