By Annabel Lee
Staff Writer
The rows of spectators rose, lifting their pinkies for good luck in anticipation of the final point. The score was 29-28: deuce. The audience collectively held their breath, watching as the ball flew through the air. Senior Taylor Yu spiked the ball, scoring the final point of the game. Cheers erupted as the team collapsed on the court, embracing one another.
For the first time in 21 years, the varsity girls volleyball team won the Division V CIF Southern Section Championship title on Nov. 3, 2023, securing the victory against Rancho Christian with a final score of 3-0.
“The gym was packed; there was a lot of pressure but we could also feel the excitement,” junior outside hitter Kaitlin Kong said. “When we won it was a mix of relief, happiness and feeling overwhelmed.”
Prior to the CIF Final game, the varsity team had a winning streak of five games. Overall, the team won 20 of their 25 games and advanced to play two rounds of state playoffs, eventually losing to Redwood High School on Nov. 11 with a score of 3-2.
“Before we started the playoffs, the hope was to get to the quarterfinals. A few thought we could reach the finals of CIF Southern Section,” Coach Nathan Yu said. “After our quarterfinal win against Ventura, the possibility of winning it all became more tangible.”
N. Yu coached the varsity team for the past two years along with a number of other club and college teams. Under Yu, the team trained every weekday for multiple hours.
Throughout the season, they train on the technical elements of the game, practice play-by-plays, combinations and prepare for different scenarios.
Practicing together formed strong bonds between the team, leading to better connections and more successful plays on the court.
“This year our team dynamic was really good,” senior setter Jocelyn Hou said. “We’re really close which allowed us to be harder on ourselves and our teammates to perform better. We all wanted to win and we were willing to put in the time which is why we did really well.”
The next season will see a number of changes for the team, as many of the prominent players are seniors.
“All our seniors played really important roles in the team and were really supportive,” Kong said. “I hope that next season us juniors can be like them in supporting the underclassmen.”
However, this will not be the only shift in the team. Additionally, following the end of this season, Yu retired from high school coaching and will no longer coach the varsity team.
“I hope the returning varsity members lead the new group of players into the next phase, using the lessons and experiences gleaned from this season,” Yu said. “I have high hopes for their continued development as volleyball players, but ultimately, as people.”