The Palo Alto Vikings lost a heartbreaking match to the Homestead Mustangs.

“Paly put up a serious fight and it was a great game,” said junior Sarah Kuihara.

Both teams came into the match 5-0 in league and tied for first in the De Anza division. Each team had already played and defeated all the other teams in league and these two were the last to face each other.

“We knew this was a big game, and we had to come out with a lot of intensity,” senior Hillary Ford said.

In the first game Paly came out very aggressive and put up the first three points of the night. Homestead battled their way into the game lead by junior hitter Catherine Fischer. Palo Alto senior Hillary Ford lead the Vikings charge with several well-placed kills. Midway through the first game Homestead’s Fischer went down with a rolled ankle and after a long delay made her way to the bench.

“We were scared when Catherine went down, she’s the core of our team,” said Homestead junior Nicole Radish.

Paly capitalized on the opportunity getting a quick six points to give them a 21-17 lead. The Mustangs battled their way back in with their star on the bench and tied the game at 24 all. A poor Homestead serve gave Paly a one-point advantage and the ball back. Ultimately handing Paly it’s only win of the night, 26-24.

With the return of the Mustang’s top player they were able to take a large lead, 14-7. After a timeout, Paly came with a burst of energy getting them back in the game. Allie Whitson came with a big spike to give Palo Alto some offense. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as Homestead went on to win 25-19, tying the match at 1-1.

“They came out much stronger than us, and they gained a lot of momentum,” said senior Jessie Juarez.

In the third game the Mustangs jumped out to an early 6-2 lead, as Paly’s offense was lacking. Fischer was a dominant force and scored and numerous kills through the Paly defense. Palo Alto junior Helene Zahoudanis had a perfect pass setting up an Allie Whitson kill. Paly lost handedly 25-15 and facing elimination.

Homestead with a 2-1 advantage was game away from sealing the match. Palo Alto opened game four with a lot of intensity and emotion, scoring on the first serve with a Ford spike. Paly up 7-2, was looking to force a game five. Homestead hitter Fischer single handedly battled the Mustangs back into the game, bringing them within one point, at 15-14. A nice hit by Marissa Florant gave Paly a 22-19 advantage. Homestead quickly closed the gap and tying it up. After a Homestead double-hit Paly had game point at 24-23. Palo Alto was not able to capitalize and lost by a score of 27-25.

“This was a really tough match, it was sad someone had to lose,” said Florant after the game.

Homestead remains the only unbeaten team in the De Anza Division, and holds on to first place at the half way mark of league.

“It was a good match because it tests where we are.” Head coach Dave Winn said. “Homestead has definitely exposed some weaknesses in us.”

Paly enters the second half of league play, and is one game back from first.

“We’re going to have to work hard in practice to correct those weaknesses,” Winn said.

Paly will prepare for it’s next game against Los Gatos Oct. 10.