Varsity volleyball lost to Oak Hills 0-3 in an away game at Oak Hills High School on Nov. 9, ending their historic run to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF)-SS Division Six Championship final.
After a 3-1 home victory against Crossroads in the semi-final match on Nov. 2, the Mustangs became the first volleyball team to ever advance to the CIF championship match in school history.
Dropping their first set of the playoffs, the Mustangs were unable to fend off the Bulldogs’ continuous offensive prowess and hitting speed. With a service error on set point, Walnut lost the first set 23-25.
“We could have started off stronger from the beginning because that would have given us momentum throughout the game, and the outcome would have been different,” outside hitter sophomore Leilah Salonga said. “Being in the final, it started off with a lot of nerves and a lot of us were in our heads. We had to help each other get up and lift one another up to have the right mindset in the first set.”
The second set started off poorly for the Mustangs as they made numerous hitting errors into the net and out of bounds. Falling behind 5-14, Oak Hill’s variety of precise shotmaking had Walnut constantly scrambling on defense. Nevertheless, Walnut made a revitalized comeback to trail 19-23 through improved offense and communication. However, the Bulldogs outlasted the Mustangs during multiple intense rallies, as the Mustangs lost the second set 20-25.
“Our offense wasn’t as good as it normally was in the second set, and we made a lot of mistakes. We need to work on getting our energy up more and hyping each other up,” middle blocker junior Amanda Qin said. “As a team we also need to be more consistent and work smarter, but I’m really proud of us because no one really believed that we would get this far in CIF.”
In the third set, the Mustangs led 4-1 thorough collective efforts to block shots and increase defensive spacing. Towards the end of the match though, the Bulldogs gradually came back through killing the ball with increased speeds and creative side angles, ending the third set 20-25.
“Our opponents had a lot of supporters, and it made it easier for them to get in our heads as we were playing. We needed to relax and play the game we knew how to play,” setter senior Isabel Valle said. “It definitely feels amazing to have made it to the finals, and the whole experience means the world to me. I love these girls with all my heart, and we all became so close just over the season. Being able to share these memories, moments and experiences is just so amazing.”
After making the finals, the Mustangs now qualify for CIF regionals, which begins Nov.12. Looking to improve in the future, head coach Katie Meier reflects on the team’s performance.
“My plan was to play as a team. We’ve been talking about every little thing mattering, and how all the small things were important whether it be setting, passing or playing offense,” Meier said. “I love the grit that our girls showed, [and] the fight that they demonstrated. All I wanted for them all season long was to not give up on each other and to go all out. I am super proud of all of them.”
