The Miami Lady Vandals competed at the Epic Tourneys Volleyball Invitational over the weekend in Scottsdale. The Lady Vandals were in the Silver Division, the third tier of a 90-team event that was played in the Tempe/Scottsdale area.

“It was really good for our team to see lots of play and for them to be immersed in a big volleyball world,” said Miami head coach Jaymie Swift-Hooke. “Participating in a big tournament like this is an eye-opener to see those tougher teams and tougher competition.”

Miami was placed in Pool T with Ash Fork (1A), Desert View (5A) and Mohave Accelerated (2A). They finished pool play 2-1, sweeping Ash Fork and Mohave Accelerated but falling to Desert View in three sets.

“In pool play, we did some really good stuff, we were executing on small things,” said Swift-Hooke. “It’s mid-season so there’s a lot of variations like injury, illness … so we are figuring out and learning about ourselves to get better.”

Once in bracket play, Miami was swept by Cicero Prep in two sets. Swift-Hooke said the first set was not close but the team played a tougher second set, falling 25-20. The Lady Centurions used their height and served tough to upend the Lady Vandals, who struggled with serve-receive.

To finish the tournament, Miami faced their crosstown rival Globe, traveling 82 miles from the  comfy confines of Miami High School to the luxurious Rancho Solano Prep for Chapter 2 of the rivalry between the Lady Vandals and Lady Tigers.

Unlike the five-set thriller played 16 days ago, the Lady Tigers behind Kaydance Tober dominated the net and grabbed a pair of 25-18 wins.

“They get up for it and let nerves take over at times,” said Swift-Hooke. “It’s overcoming fears and being confident in their abilities. It’s good to face (Globe) because we need that pressure to be better.”

Miami hosts Gilbert Classical Sept. 28, at home starting at 6 p.m.