UPDATE: In a stunning turnaround, Olympian High School clinched the CIF Division III girls volleyball championship on October 14, 2023, defeating El Camino in a nail-biting match that ended with scores of 20-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-21 at Montgomery. This victory marks Olympian’s first title since their championship streak from 2014 to 2016.
The Eagles faced adversity early in the season, struggling with a seven-match losing streak and entering the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. However, their relentless defense and strategic offense propelled them to victory. Coach Yvette Macias emphasized the team’s focus on defense, stating,
“I tell my girls all the time that defense wins games.”
Leading the charge for Olympian was middle hitter Jade Araujo, who recorded 13 kills. Teammates Annabelle Johnson and Nyssa Dickson contributed significantly with nine kills each, while Tierrah Santana and Annette Olaoye added seven kills each—Iolaoye also showcased her defensive prowess with five blocks.
The match began with El Camino taking control, winning the first set. However, Olympian quickly regrouped, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. Senior libero Keilana Cruz remarked,
“We thought about it as 0-0… stay confident in your team.”
This mindset proved crucial as they stormed back to secure the final three sets.
El Camino’s standout player was Grace Houston, leading her team with 13 kills. Coach Alex Pukahi reflected on their season, saying,
“We won 30-plus games… so to not hold their heads down. We had a great season, and I’m proud of that.”
Meanwhile, in the Division II championship, top-seeded Santa Fe Christian triumphed over No. 2 Patrick Henry with a decisive victory of 25-12, 25-13, 25-19. Freshman Nariah Johnson was pivotal, leading her team with 19 kills. Coach Megan Lawley noted the importance of a well-rounded attack, emphasizing their shift to utilizing the middle players more effectively.
Patrick Henry’s Alyssa Chu led her team with 12 kills, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t match Santa Fe Christian’s intensity. Coach David Chau expressed pride in his team’s journey, stating,
“Regardless of results, I’m extremely proud of the work it took to get here.”
As the CIF playoffs unfold, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on these exciting high school volleyball tournaments. The resilience and determination displayed by these young athletes highlight the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence in sports.
