Story by Ruby Foudy
Staff Writer
Photos by Zoe Chen
Staff Photographer
Girls volleyball played the Flintridge Sacred Heart Tologs in a home game on Monday, Aug. 26. It was a close game, and while the Tigers fought hard, they ultimately lost to the Tologs in the fifth set.
The first set started with a point for the Tigers, but the Tologs swooped in and took the next two rallies. The lead teetered between the teams, each having no more than two points over the other at a time. South Pasadena remained steady, courtesy of senior libero Kiana Park whose digs saved the Tigers throughout the set. Junior opposite hitter Senya Dorny executed several spikes, landing the Tigers a small lead, but in the end, the set went to Flintridge Sacred Heart, 20-25.
There was an impressive rally at the top of the second set, and the Tigers came in clutch to win the first point. South Pasadena remained in the lead with multiple saves and assists from sophomore defensive specialist Ella Garner. After winning a particularly long rally, the Tologs slowly creped up until the score was 24-26. Flintridge won the set yet again.
The Tigers knew they needed a comeback and started the third set with great energy and an ace. Once again, the score was close, but the Tigers were falling behind until a series of expert kills from Dorny. Eventually, the Tigers tied the score at 26-26 and won the next two points, securing them a set win. This brought the match score to 1-2.
During the fourth set, the Tigers kept their momentum and fought hard to build their lead. However, Flintridge steadily moved up, landing a 25-25 tie. After two nerve-wracking rallies, the Tigers took the set 28-26. The match score tied at 2-2.
“We fought back and forth in every set, like 25-25. I thought that it was a pretty big achievement, and I’m proud of that,” freshman outside hitter Stella Sheng said.
The Tigers struggled to get ahead during the fifth and final set until a fierce series of aces brought the score to 14-13. Despite the Tigers’ spirit, the Tologs scored three additional points, which handed Flintridge the overall win.
“I think we played well,” freshman setter Kayla Yau said. “We’re getting better and better each time.”
“I feel good, we fought hard,” Shang added. “I think our team got really hyped today.”
On Friday, Aug. 30, South Pasadena will face Chaminade in an away game at 6 p.m.
