Volleyball heads into playoffs after third-consecutive undefeated season
Lady strikers prepare for their next play against the Bell Gardens Lancers. PC: Isaac Ngan
by ISAAC NGAN
Concluding league with an undefeated record of 10-0, lady spikers earned their fourth consecutive league championship title, three in a row in undefeated seasons, and they prepare for their first-round CIF playoff game against Heritage Christian High School on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.
Girls volleyball showed spirit and pride in each game in which they competed as they polished their teamwork and skills. Lady spikers earned league titles throughout all levels in varsity, JV, and frosh with an undefeated season.
With their last home game on Oct.14 against the Bell Garden Lancers, varsity struggled in the first set losing 25-20, but then swept the next three sets with scores of 25-19, 25-20, and 20-19 to win the match. The JV and frosh teams swept the Lancers with set scores of 25-15, 29-27 and 25-20, 25-9, respectively.
Leading a team takes responsibility, as leaders are the ones who can be relied on and become role models for the whole team.
“I’m leading my team by pushing not only myself but my teammates to their fullest potential, and always encouraging them on and off the court. I’m looking forward to the experience I’ll gain for future years,” said Leeya Rubio, frosh team.
Lady spikers swept against the Alhambra Moors on Oct. 10 with set scores of 25-16, 25-11 and 25-11 for Varsity, and then 25-10 and 25-14 for JV and 25-9, 25-7 for Frosh.
“We don’t underestimate anyone. We just prepare for everyone to give it their best against us and that approach has helped us in being successful this season,” said coach Jorge Ortiz. “The competitive atmosphere of the sport, knowing that we’re one of the higher seeded teams, we have the opportunity to represent the school and lead this team towards a successful run. We’ll take it one game at a time and make sure the girls enjoy themselves and the experience.”
Playing against San Gabriel Madators on Oct. 8, the girls swept them as well, with set scores of 25-20 and 25-21 for the freshman team, 25-8 and 25-11 for the JV team, and 25-13, 25-10 and 25-5 for the Varsity team.
The girl’s volleyball program continuously practices teamwork and communication on the court to prepare for this week’s CIF first round game.