Two of Arizona’s volleyball powerhouses meet again this week as Corona del Sol faces Xavier College Preparatory. A matchup that’s become one of the 6A Conference’s most competitive rivalries. With both programs boasting state championship pedigrees, Thursday’s upcoming game carries history, momentum, and no shortage of star power.
Hayden Connor will be a key player in the match-up
One name that stands out for Corona is Hayden Connor, a top recruit committed to the University of Washington, whose play could define how this latest chapter unfolds.
The Washington commit has been the offensive engine for Corona del Sol, bringing leadership that elevates everyone around her.
Heading into this rematch, Xavier knows exactly who they have to slow down. Knowing is one thing, stopping her is another.
📅 Head-to-Head History: 2020–2024
The two teams' history in the past five years has swung back and forth.
| Year | Regular Season Result | Playoff Meeting | Stage & Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Xavier wins 1-3 | ✅ Round 1 | Xavier wins 3-1 — Gators eliminate Corona early. |
| 2021 | Corona wins 3-0 | ❌ | Both made deep runs but didn’t meet. |
| 2022 | Corona wins 3–2 | ❌ | Corona goes on to win the 6A State Championship. |
| 2023 | Xavier wins 0-3 | ❌ | Both reached playoffs; Sandra Day O’Connor won the title. |
| 2024 | Meet twice in regular season. 3-1, 1-3 | ✅ State Final - Xavier wins 3–1 | Xavier won the 6A State Championship. |
🔍 What to Watch Thursday
Corona’s regular-season win over Xavier still looms large. For the Gators, this is about proving that their state-final victory wasn’t a one-off. For the Aztecs, it’s about showing they can finish what they start.
Both sides are loaded with talent, but depth decides long matches. Expect role players. liberos, setters, and second hitters to quietly tip the balance.
Corona has shown flashes of brilliance but must stay consistent through Xavier’s inevitable runs. The Gators, on the other hand, thrive under pressure. Whoever keeps composure in the fourth and fifth sets likely wins the night.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just another 6A matchup. This game will set the tone of what we can expect for the championship game later this semester.
With Hayden Connor leading the charge for Corona del Sol and Xavier Prep defending their championship pedigree, Thursday night promises to deliver another installment in a rivalry that keeps writing itself into the school's history.
