Story by Elia Song & Julia Gildersleeve
Staff Writers
On Sept. 16, 2025, the Varsity Girls’ volleyball team played against La Cañada in a fierce 5-set game. South Pasadena had a strong first set, but eventually La Cañada triumphed over the Tigers, 3-2. La Cañada’s strategic, deep corner hits were a big part of their win on Tuesday.
Junior setter Evan Taylor earned the Tigers the first point of the match with a skillful ace. As the game ensued, the Tigers were initiating more tips and deep corner attacks over the net, layering on pressure to the Spartans. After La Cañada shanked several balls and missed blocks, their coaches called the first time out of the game, 15-10 Tigers in the first set.
The Tigers sprang back into the game once the break ended, smashing down balls into La Cañada’s unsuspecting platforms. Tigers and La Cañada tied 24-24 after dropped balls and serves out the back. Sophomore setter Kayla Yau had two, powerful float serves in a row, causing La Cañada to panic and send over free balls. The Tigers easily used the free balls to set up amazing plays. Taylor finished the first set with a powerful kill, the Tigers winning 26-24.
The second set began with a missed serve from La Cañada. The Tigers quickly seized the opportunity, with a tip kill from senior outside hitter Senya Dorny and a spike from Taylor. However, the Spartans kept calm and managed to surpass the Tigers, 12-5. After a time out from the Tigers, South Pasadena reset their game faces. Junior libero Ella Garner was consistent in her defense and dove for every ball. However, La Cañada maintained the lead, and with several consistent deep hits, they won the second set 25-15.
Taylor started the set off with a smashing serve, knocking La Cañada off their feet. The Tigers quickly took control of the third set with plays including junior outside hitter Bella Ventura’s rollshot lengthening the gap between scores. La Cañada called another timeout after getting backed into a corner, trailing 5-2. However, the Tigers marched on, winning the third set 25-23.
The fourth set kicked off neck and neck, with the Tigers barely leading 4-3. Anticipation sparked in the gym when the score tied, 11-11. The Spartans used the sudden surge of energy to push past South Pasadena’s defense, taking the lead through a series of long rallies and impressive digs. South Pasadena struggled to match the momentum, as La Cañada won the set 25-19 and tied the match 2-2.
For the last set of the match, the South Pasadena and La Cañada crowds were competing to see who had the most school spirit. The Tigers started strong 2-1. However, the Spartans quickly caught up. As the set point grew closer and closer, the Tigers were doing everything they could to stay in the game. As the set progressed, La Cañada continued to lengthen the gap, and eventually reached set point while the Tigers still only had 6 points. La Cañada quickly finished the game by sneaking a kill to the deep corner, winning the match 3-2.
“Their effort was really good. I think you win some and you lose some, but nobody gave up mentally, so that is where we did well,” Head Coach Elijah Davis said.
The Tigers’ next game is on Tuesday, Sept. 23, against the Temple City Rams at 5:30 p.m.