Girls’ volleyball sweeps Bassett to build momentum before league play

By Riley Segal

Staff Writer

Photos by Matthew Scholtz

The girls’ volleyball team triumphed over Bassett High School at home in three sets with scores of 25-8, 25-6, and 25-7. South Pasadena’s record now stands at 6-1. The Olympians couldn’t handle the Tigers’ high-caliber style of play, and the home squad easily won the game.

For the first and last time of the whole game, Bassett lead for two points in the beginning of the first set. Soon enough, the Tigers jumped in front due to kills from junior Molly Feldmeth and sophomore Maddie Saito, and an ace from senior Taleen Mitchell. South Pas controlled the set all around the court with strong serves, hits, and defense. Feldmeth went on a serving streak, increasing the lead by a wide margin. Freshman Kimi Brown contributed to the Tiger attacks by completing her part of their plays, though she did not score many points. The Olympians were able to gain one more point before a kill from junior Kate Kutzer gave the Tigers possession of the ball again. Another serving streak from junior Ariana Woodworth that gave the Tigers nine points brought the set to an end with a score of 25-8.

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The Tigers held their on to their lead well into the second set, earning 12 points before the Olympians managed to gain one. Junior libero Madison Hirano surprised the Tigers and fans with a hit of her own, and though the Olympians were able to return it, Mitchell soon earned South Pas the point with a strong hit. Feldmeth and Kutzer each had more kills apiece, and senior Katie Sokolow had powerful hits as well. The set ended at a score of 25-6, ending with a tip from junior Haley Peters.

Kutzer started off the third set with an ace, and had consistent serves well into the game. Peters continued to have strong hits, as well as sophomore Isabel Blüml. The Tigers maintained control of the set, only seceding a few points. Tiger players continued to have strong hits and serves, not really needing to play much defense. A kill from Brown put the Tigers one point away from winning, and a hit into the net from the Olympians brought the set to an end at 25-7.

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“We worked really well with the plays our coach gave us, but we still really need to work on them to make them more consistent. But I think our passing was great this game, too,” Feldmeth said. “[Bassett] just had a hard time getting the ball over the net as well.”

Many of the Tigers had praise for Brown, who came in off the bench and contributed to the overall success of the match.

“Kimi came in as our starting middle, and just killed it. Our coach gave us goals to complete in the game, and she got a lot of them done quickly,” said Sokolow.

The Tigers’ next game is on the road against La Salle High School, where they hope to continue on the winning streak as they head into their last game before league play.