The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

TONE
We want to hear your voice!

Which school event do you most look forward to this year?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Recap: Vikings take Dig Pink match in four sets

DSC_0178
Senior setter Juliana Roth covers junior middle blocker Ashlyn Callan and senior opposite hitter Denise Ringwalt as they block a Los Altos player. The annual Dig Pink rally has been held by Paly and Los Altos for six years to combat breast cancer. “Six years ago there were individuals on both Los Altos and Paly’s teams who had close relatives and parents who beat breast cancer,” Athletic Director Therren Wilburn said. Photo: Ellie Krugler

Donning hot pink jerseys in honor of breast cancer awareness, the Palo Alto High School girls’ volleyball team (16-3, 9-0) defeated Los Altos (14-12, 3-6) in four sets Tuesday night to remain undefeated in league play.

DSC_0276
The Paly Spirit Squad shows off its skills with dances and lifts. The group kept the crowd’s energy up by leading cheers throughout the match. Photo: Ellie Krugler

Beginning the annual Dig Pink match with a strong start, Paly triumphed during the first game while keeping Los Altos below 20 points.

The Vikings’ front row had a strong presence, especially senior hitters Chelsea Fan and Denise Ringwalt. Fan did not disappoint, executing 15 kills, while Ringwalt maintained consistent hits and coverage at the net.

In the second set, Paly lost to Los Altos after letting many volleyballs hit the floor. The Paly Spirit Squad performed after the second game, wearing pink hair ribbons to fit the theme. The energy boost was not enough to help the Vikings as they began the third set, where they were soon down by a close but seemingly unbreachable three points.

Not giving up, Paly brought the score to a tie at 24. Both teams crept up point by point, and after a few heart-wrenching plays, the Vikings won the third game, 29-27.

DSC_0005
A bake sale raised money to fund breast cancer efforts, with goods at $2 a piece. Parent volunteers decorated the area with pink ribbons, streamers and balloons. Photo: Ellie Krugler

Viking varsity head coach Daniele Desiderio recounted Paly’s comeback in the third game.

“We feel this confidence that we can do the part,” Desiderio said. “I think we were very smart on the last point; we applied very good strategy.”

Junior middle blocker Ashlyn Callan, who sat out during the last few volleyball matches for health reasons, rejoined the match last night. Also in the rotation was sophomore middle blocker Mia Gibbs, who performed impressively at the net with eight of kills during the match.

With renewed energy, the Vikings won the fourth set — and the match — with a final score of 25-20.

According to Athletic Director Therren Wilburn, the event was a success.

“It’s very lively in here,” Wilburn said. “We had great support from our parent groups and the whole athletic department.”

The Viking’s next league match is at 6:45 p.m. tomorrow at Monta Vista High School.

About the Contributor
Eleanor Krugler, Editor-in-Chief