Boys’ volleyball displayed excellent teamwork and communication, allowing them to claim the win for SPHS in a three-set sweep.

Story by Julia Gildersleeve
Staff Writer

Photo by Helena Easterby
Photography Editor

Boys’ volleyball played the Temple City Rams on Tuesday, March 10. The game was intense, but the Tigers pushed through and won the match 3–0.

In the first set, both teams were tied 6–6 in the beginning. The Tigers and the Rams were neck and neck, but the Tigers played excellent defense and took the lead, 12–9. However, Temple City quickly managed to catch up by sneaking hits through South Pasadena’s blocks. The score was tied 17–17, and then 22–22. 

As the set neared the end, both teams refused to give up. Senior outside hitter Conan Lafferty pushed his rollshot down the line to secure a point for the Tigers. The score reached 25–25, then 26–26, then 27–27. Only when senior opposite hitter Kyle Kirchen smashed a hit through the Rams’ block, were the Tigers able to steal the lead. After a timeout was called by the Rams, the Tigers won the set 29–27 with a shanked ball by Temple City.

The second set started off with great blocks and accurate spot serves from the Tigers. After a powerful serve from sophomore setter Ryan Chi, the Tigers secured the lead 6–3. Temple City began to make sloppy plays where they ended up with either hits into the net or completely out. 

The Tigers took advantage of the Rams’ lack of energy, and with strong hits and monster blocks, they held the lead, 10–7. Temple City managed to slightly catch up, but they remained trailing behind the Tigers 16–11, whose excellent defense prevented the Rams from scoring points. Senior defensive specialist Wyatt Morimoto-Woo hit several pipe attacks, which increased the score to 24–17. After several plays with missed hits from both teams, and a final hit from the Tigers, the set score was 25–20, with the match score 2–0 in the Tigers’ favor.

During the third set, the Tigers gained a major 9–4 lead  in the beginning of the game due to their powerful hits and strong defense. After another kill from Kirchen, the Tigers led 12–4. South Pasadena persisted and held the lead, 17–11, despite attacks from Temple City.

Players were diving everywhere for balls, not wanting to be the person to end the long rallies. The score became 20–12 after several shanks and hits out of bound. Then, Morimoto-Woo bounced the ball to the 10-foot line, which left the Rams stunned. The Tigers eventually won the set 25–16 after several more front and back row attacks. 

“I think we did a great job as a team, and it was cool to see Evan Chang back in the game,” Kirchen said. Evan Chang, a sophomore libero and outside hitter, had previously been sitting out of games due to an injury.

Members of the crowd leapt to their feet, cheering the Tigers on their league-opening win.

“I think the team played great and worked together well. We won in three, and it was our first league match. I’m very proud of the boys and happy with the outcome,” head coach Carlos Rivera said.

Boys’ volleyball’s next game is away against the Blair Vikings at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.