STATE VOLLEYBALL: DV rolls past Tucson in playoff opener, into 2nd round

Sixth-seeded Desert Vista (14-4) swept No. 11 Tucson Tuesday night, 25-12, 25-13, 25-8, in the first round of the Class 5A/4A-Division I boys volleyball state tournament.

"It was a nice win for us," said DV head coach Ryan Tolman. "We got some momentum, had some fun, worked out some things and we have to hope that carries over."

The Thunder move on to play at No. 3 Gilbert (18-0) in the second round Thursday night. The Tigers swept No. 14 Corona del Sol Tuesday night.

The two teams met Feb. 27 at DV, with Gilbert sweeping in what Tolman then called a "wake up call." But Michael Proctor, the Thunder's middle blocker, didn't play in that match because he was keying the basketball team's run to the state title.

"Obviously the biggest progression we've had is a 6-foot-8 middle blocker," Tolman. "He makes us a lot different than the last time we played them. We've just gotten more crisp and precise and hopefully we can play our best game, because it's going to take that to beat them.