Building confidence is the theme of the season for Sand Creek volleyball.

The Scorpions had it in abundance at James Irwin on Thursday, beating the Jaguars in straight sets to secure their first win of the season. Even more impressive, they did it without coach Kimmie Beach-Collins.

Beach-Collins is Sand Creek’s third coach in as many years. After more than a decade of losing seasons, the Sand Creek staff is taking a different approach to motivating the players.

“It kind of came to our attention that they lack a lot of confidence when we did our team time one day and they all raised their hands that they don’t have confidence on the court or even outside of that,” assistant coach Makinze Campbell said. “So Kimmie’s thing is helping them understand what it means to be confident. How you hold yourself, how you carry yourself.”

The Scorpions carried themselves with pride as they bested the host Jaguars 25-8, 25-13, 25-16. Sand Creek recorded 19 aces, led by juniors Simone Jackson and Jasyra Corpus, who each had five. Senior Aidyn Garlin added another four.

Senior Madelyn Jones led the Scorpions in kills with seven as Sand Creek (1-1) overpowered James Irwin (0-2) for the majority of the match.

In addition to dominance, Sand Creek also showed energy and unity on the court. Whether it was the smiles the girls shared after Corpus made a sneaky play, feigning a set and then sending the ball over, the roar of the Scorpions’ junior varsity team in the stands, or the intense play from senior Makailah White in the waning moments after a Jaguars player blocked her, Sand Creek’s confidence was on full display.

“Tonight, I think it was just trying to stay consistent and not drop to a lower level. Play our game and just try to keep ourselves elevated,” Jones said.

Following a first-set blowout, James Irwin seemed to be on the precipice of turning the match around, jumping out to a 4-3 lead in the second set. But the Scorpions didn’t break under the pressure. Sand Creek scored the next 10 points, powered in part by the service of Jackson, who scored back-to-back aces.

According to Jones, the team maintained its composure as James Irwin made a push.

“I think that when we drop we’re really good at just encouraging each other and telling each other to shake it off and go for the next ball,” she said.

That positivity is one of the most important aspects for the Scorpions on and off the court.

“The skill is great, but what we’re emphasizing this year is the mental aspect and confidence and just wanting to be good people overall and volleyball players next,” Campbell said. “We have emphasis this year that the best players are going to be on the court and not necessarily best skill-wise, best positive attitudes.”