Story by Julia Gildersleeve
Staff Writer
Boys’ volleyball played the San Marino Titans on Tuesday, April 21, for South Pasadena’s senior night and varsity championship. There are nine seniors on the SPHS boys’ volleyball varsity team who all had an exciting entrance to the gym. Gatdula, Williams, Orindgreff, and Lafferty all made significant contributions to the win. The game was tense, but the Tigers overcame the Titans to win the match 3–0.
In the first set, both teams were tied 4–4, then 7–7 in the beginning. The Tigers and the Titans were neck and neck, neither team wanting to give up a point. However, even after a powerful kill by junior opposite hitter Liam Johnson, the Tigers still could not secure a major lead. The Tigers led 17–15 after a kill from senior middle blocker Sawyer Gatdula. San Marino brought the score up to 18–18, but South Pasadena remained in the lead due to their long, scrappy rallies. Nearing the end of the set, the Tigers stayed consistent with their defense, making the score 22–20 in their favor. After several intense rallies with players diving across the court, the Tigers took the win 25–22, making the overall match score 1–0.
The second set started off with the Tigers in the lead, 4–1. The Tigers displayed great blocks and powerful float serves, increasing their score to 9–5. Senior outside Tendo Williams slammed a hit down onto the Titans’ libero, breaking his platform. After a powerful serve from sophomore setter Ryan Chi, the Tigers secured the lead 14–9. Senior defensive specialist Charlie Orindgreff was everywhere on the court and always kept the ball in play. After a kill from senior opposite Conan Lafferty, the Tigers left the Titans trailing behind them, 18–12.
As the set neared the end, the Tigers became more and more determined to finish the Titans off. The SPHS cheerleaders in the bleachers pumped up the Tigers with loud and encouraging cheers. Out of nowhere, San Marino tied with South Pasadena, 22–22, then 24–24. The audience rose to its feet in anticipation of the next few plays. The score jumped around, from the Titans in the lead, 28–27, to the Tigers 30–29. A final rally ending with a monster block from Lafferty resulted in a decisive win for the Tigers with a final set score of 31–29. The total match score was 2–0 with South Pasadena winning.
The Tigers took advantage of the Titans’ lack of energy in the third set, and with perfectly calculated hits and blocks, they started off the set strong, 3–1. However, the Titans patched up their defense and tied the score, 11-11. Another kill from Williams allowed the Tigers to visualize the Titans’ blocks and work around them in the next play. Reading the Titans’ hits, the Tigers were able to grab a small lead, 16–14. The Titans tipped multiple balls out, and a setter dump from Chi increased the Tigers’ score to 20–18. South Pasadena wrapped up the set 25–22 with consistent serving and serve receive.
“I’m very proud of the boys, and I’m happy with the outcome,” head coach Carlos Rivera said.
Overall, the team played diligently to snatch the win. This was the final volleyball game in the boys’ volleyball season, but the TBA first round of CIF playoffs is on Tuesday, April 28.