Photos by Alicia Alderete
Staff Photographer
Girls’ volleyball defeated Temple City in four sets on Tuesday, October 17, during the team’s senior night. The lowerclassmen bid farewell to the seniors of the team with flowers, speeches, and balloons.
The Tigers began their domination of the Rams in the first set. Dynamic front row play from senior Maddie Saito, junior Natalie Deng, and freshman Lola Foord gave South Pas a large, early lead. Senior Lily Turner-Kipke’s powerful serving and strategic offense helped the Tigers further their score. A lack of communication and effective defense from Temple City allowed South Pas to display its talent. Kills from senior Sophia Benzoni and junior Kimberly Brown sealed the set for the Tigers and led to their victory at 25-16.
Movement and communication from South Pas established a lead for the Tigers in the second set. Freshman Lindsey Hirano demonstrated strong defensive play. Kills from Saito and Foord brought more points for the Tigers. Errors from South Pas gave Temple City an opportunity to tie the score, but effective serving from Brown and Hirano maintained the Tiger lead. South Pas closed out the set with a score of 25-17.
Aces from Turner-Kipke as well as errors from the Rams gave the Tigers an early lead during the third set. Kills from Brown and Foord kept the Tigers’ momentum high, giving Temple City little chance for a comeback. South Pas struggled to gain points as the set progressed and the Rams tied the game at 19-19. The score rose steadily until the Tigers defeat at 31-29.
The fourth set began well for the Tigers, demonstrating strategic offense from their front row. The game was close until South Pas established a solid lead at 12-8. Kills from Brown and Benzoni gave the Tigers several points. Uncontrolled play from the Rams lead to the Tigers win at 25-22.
“I think we played really well in the first two sets and stumbled in the third,” Said junior Maddy Abundo, “but Temple City was good practice for our upcoming game against San Marino.”
The Tigers will play San Marino at SMHS on Thursday, October 19.