Our girls’ volleyball has been on the rise as their championship last season marks two consecutive league championships in a row. Previously a Division 2 team, undefeated in league, these girls are facing new challenges as they have ascended to Division 1 for the 2023-2024 season.
It all came down to a match against Rancho Bernardo High School last Thursday, in a game that determined whether SDA had a path to win the league championship. In a previous home match, the SDA team lost against Rancho Bernardo in a tight game, winning two sets but losing the other three. On Rancho Bernado’s home court, they had the opportunity to take back the championship- or lose it all.
Despite initially having the lead, a rough couple of plays ended the first set in favor of RB with a final score of 25-22. SDA knew it was time to step it up and get a lead, or face losing in a devastating three sets. “The score was so close, we only lost by like three points. The fact that we were up for most of the set and lost at the end was pretty frustrating for everyone,” said Sasha Tien, senior and libero/defensive specialist for the SDA girl’s volleyball team. “I think we were also even more determined to beat them and win in three more sets.”
With the stands full of SDA friends and family, the girls battled it out. A tough match full of game-changing blocks, exceptional sets, point-ending hits and impressive saves led to the second set going to SDA 25-22. Point by point, the SDA girl’s volleyball team fought and won the last two sets, scoring 25-22 and 25-23. Tien attributes the win to the overall team dynamic. “Our team has pretty good energy,” Tien says, “the people on the court are playing their hearts out and the people off the court are cheering their hearts out, so everyone is contributing.”
With a league record of 6-1, and an overall record of 22-7 this season, the SDA girl’s volleyball team is currently first in the Avocado West league. However, their next home game on Thursday against Sage Creek High School will determine the champion of the league- and if they win, the league championship title is theirs. Tien says, “I think we have to go in with a lot of respect and make sure that we are not underestimating them. They’re just as hungry for the win as we are.”