In the final home game of the season, the Palo Alto girls’ volleyball team became champions of Santa Clara Valley Athletic League after a powerful victory (3-0) over Saratoga High School, Thursday, Nov. 5, on Senior Night.
The Vikings were determined to finish off their season strong and head into the Central Coast Section playoffs with a positive new attitude.
“We’re going to CCS,” sophomore outside hitter Caroline Martin said. “We’ve come this far. We’re going to play our game and just have fun with it.”
In the first game, both teams had a rough time keeping the lead due to hitting and blocking errors. As the Vikings began to get warmed up, they started improving by perfecting passes and making accurate hits. The intensity between the two teams started to increase, bringing in full audience participation to cheer on the Vikings. From screaming parents on the bleachers to cheerleaders on the sidelines, the encouragement strengthened the Vikings’ confidence. The Falcons had some strong hits and blocks of their own, but the Vikings won, 25-22.
“It wasn’t our best, but we had some strong points,” junior libero Megan Coleman said. “We definitely have some things to work on such as staying focused and not playing down to the level of the other team.”
At the beginning of the second game, senior outside hitter Marissa Florant made several kills, gaining the lead for Paly. Gradually, the Falcons began to catch up to the Vikings. After a timeout and cheers from the audience, the Vikings picked up their game and overtook the Falcons to win, 25-18.
“Saratoga brought the heat tonight,” head coach Dave Winn said. “I think they out-hit us in some of the games, but luckily at the end, we were serving a little tougher and our hitters found a few open spots.”
In the final match, the Vikings started off strong, scoring the first couple of points. After long rallies, the Falcons staged a comeback and led 20-14. With Saratoga attempting to pull off a win, the Vikings countered with strong blocks and kills. Determined to win their final game, the Vikings caught up to the Falcons and won, 25-22.
“Tonight wasn’t our best, but we played well enough to win tonight.” senior co-captain Cassie Prioleau said. “I’m really happy that we won our last home game, especially since it’s senior night.”
“We finished off our season pretty well,” sophomore setter Kimberly Whitson said. “I don’t think it was our best game but I think our blocking improved in the third game. It all came together at the end and we really made a comeback.”
As the Vikings place first in leagues, they hope to continue their victorious stride going into CCS.
“It’s like the end of a marathon,” Winn said. “We’ve got to keep up the pace, but not go too fast. This is probably the best year since 2000 in chances of making the finals, so hopefully we’ll take advantage of it.”
Senior team manager Kristen Dauler and co-captains Cassie Prioleau and Marissa Florant were honored with a ceremony that took place before the game. As graduating seniors, they had their last home game at Paly and will be greatly missed in future, according to junior outside hitter Trina Ohms.
“When you only have three seniors, especially when you’re really close with them since you have played multiple years with them, it’s hard to realize that this is your last time you’re probably going to play with them,” Ohms said. “They are very special to me because I have spent most of my years of high school volleyball with them and I’m really going to miss them.”
The first round of CCS is to take place 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, The location is still to be announced.