Olympian Volleyball Team Claims Championship with Resilient Victory

In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Olympian High School volleyball team secured the Division III championship on October 21, 2023, defeating El Camino High School with a score of 20-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-21. This victory marks Olympian’s first title since their consecutive wins from 2014 to 2016, completing a remarkable turnaround after starting the season with a seven-match losing streak.

Coach Yvette Macias emphasized the importance of defense in the team’s success, stating, “I tell my girls all the time that defense wins games. We love a big offense, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to pick up that ball.” The Eagles showcased a balanced attack, led by middle hitter Jade Araujo, who contributed 13 kills. Other key players included Annabelle Johnson and Nyssa Dickson, each with nine kills, while Tierrah Santana and Annette Olaoye added seven kills apiece. Olaoye also made a significant defensive impact with five blocks.

El Camino started strong, taking an early lead in the first set before ultimately winning it 25-20. However, the tide turned in the second set as Olympian quickly established a 17-10 lead, finishing the set with a nine-point streak. Araujo’s performance was pivotal in the third set, where she helped the Eagles regain momentum after trailing 19-18.

Senior libero Keilana Cruz noted the team’s focus on maintaining a forward-looking mentality, saying, “Something about us is that we just don’t remind ourselves of the past; we think of the future when we’re playing.” This mindset proved crucial as Olympian fought back from a set down to clinch the title.

El Camino’s coach, Alex Pukahi, praised his team’s efforts despite the loss, highlighting their achievements throughout the season. “We won 30-plus games. We won league. We made it here from a program that doesn’t have a lot of club players,” he stated, urging his players to hold their heads high.

In the Division II championship, Santa Fe Christian dominated with a decisive victory over Patrick Henry, winning 25-12, 25-13, 25-19. The Eagles, led by freshman Nariah Johnson with 19 kills, executed a well-rounded offensive strategy that kept them in control throughout the match. The senior duo of Mali Carroll and Autumn Ermanis added depth to the attack with a combined eight kills and four blocks.

Coach Megan Lawley emphasized the importance of utilizing their middle hitters, stating, “If we want to win a championship, we’ve got to use our middles.” This strategic focus paid off as Santa Fe Christian maintained a consistent lead over Patrick Henry, who were led by senior Alyssa Chu with 12 kills.

Patrick Henry’s coach, David Chau, expressed pride in his team’s journey to the finals, affirming their hard work and commitment throughout the season. “Regardless of results, I’m extremely proud of the work it took to get here,” he said.

The championships showcased not only the talent of the players but also the dedication of the coaching staff, underscoring the significance of teamwork in achieving success. As both Olympian and Santa Fe Christian celebrate their titles, their accomplishments serve as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the power of collective effort in sports.