By Riley Segal
Staff Writer
The girls’ volleyball team celebrated Senior Night with a victory, sweeping La Cañada in three sets on Thursday, October 29, with scores of 25-11, 25-22, and 25-15. Seniors Taleen Mitchell and Katie Sokolow were honored prior to the game. This victory secured the league title for the Tigers for the third year running, with a league record of 8-1 and 19-3 overall.
The Spartans earned the first point of the set, but the Tigers retaliated with powerful kills from Mitchell and junior Molly Feldmeth. Junior Maddy Hirano strengthened the Tigers’ lead with a serving-streak scattered with aces, as well as with sturdy defense. Though La Cañada was able to put a few kills past the South Pas defense, the Spartans still could not overcome the Tigers’ lead. A kill followed by an ace from Mitchell ended the first set at 25-11.
The second set provided more of a challenge for the Tigers as they had to come back from a 12-point deficit. South Pas took two time-outs before they were able to gain on the Spartans. Junior Kate Kutzer, Feldmeth, and Mitchell fueled a Tiger comeback with offensive firepower. Sophomore Maddie Saito also added to the Tigers’ attack with powerful hits, and Hirano again gave many solid serves. La Cañada attempted to strike back, but a kill from sophomore Isabel Blüml concluded the set at 25-22.
South Pas continued to dominate in the third set, powered by strong attacks and key defensive saves. Feldmeth, Kutzer, and Mitchell continued to draw cheers from the large fan section with multiple impressive kills. The Tigers also displayed sound defense, featuring saves from Hirano and Sokolow. A Feldmeth kill ended the set at 25-15 to immense applause from the crowd.
“It feels amazing to win, especially because we were a little nervous due to how we lost against San Marino. We fought so hard to get the 2015 league title,” Sokolow said. “It was emotional at first because it was my last home league game of my high school career.”
The Tigers’ league run concludes on Tuesday, November 3 on the road against Blair High School. South Pas is confident that it will rise to a 20-3 overall record and a 9-1 league record.