Photo by Sophie Yeung
Staff Photographer
Girls’ volleyball was defeated by Alta Loma High School in three close sets on Thursday, October 18 in the first round of CIF playoffs. The loss eliminated the Tigers from the postseason and ended their year, in which they finished second in league with a 7-3 record.
South Pas started off the first set in the lead with strong communication amongst the players. Sophomore Lola Foord scored the first point for the Tigers with a hard-hitting spike that sent the Alta Loma Braves scrambling to retrieve the ball. From there, senior Christina Taylor made an impressive block in front of the Braves’ strong front line. The remainder of the set was close, with South Pas pulling into the lead. However, when Alta Loma caught up tying the score 19, SPHS began to falter. The Tigers narrowly lost the set, 25-22.
The Tigers quickly fell behind the Braves at the start of the second set, as South Pas seemingly couldn’t regain their strength after a loss in the opening set. The defense couldn’t withstand powerful hits from Alta Loma, which quickly put the team in a bad situation. However, the Tigers still scored against the Braves with hits from freshman Abby Garner and kills from Foord. Ultimately, the Braves won the set, 25-12.
Determined for a win in the third set, SPHS established an early lead against Alta Loma, leading 4-0. Sophomore Lindsey Hirano was quick to save any daunting hits by Alta Loma. Blocks from freshman Kennedy Taylor and senior Kimberly Brown left Alta Loma struggling to keep up. However, the Braves eventually caught up due to SPHS’ mishandlings of the ball. Despite impressive plays by the Tigers, the Braves ultimately surpassed SPHS and won the set, 25-19.
“I’m going to miss our seniors, but I know they will do great things in the future. I’m glad we were able to have one last incredible season with them,” Hirano said on finishing the season.
