The Jackrabbits, ranked first nationally and in California, are coming off a hard-fought victory against Redondo Union after winning the fifth game, 19-17. The scores of the first four games were also close, 25-20, 22-25, 25-21 and 22-25.

“They don’t give up without a fight,” Viking senior team captain and libero Megan Coleman said. “Their division was really hard to win so they definitely earned their spot in finals.”

Though the Vikings, ranked 43rd nationally and 13th in California, took the NorCal title in a three-game sweep over St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, the tight scores of 25-21, 26-24 and 25-22 suggest that Paly pulled through by a hair each time.

The Jackrabbits’ biggest strength is the versatility of their athletes and their ability to attack from anywhere.

“We can’t isolate one or two [Long Beach Poly] players to focus on like we have in the past,” head coach Dave Winn said. “All of their girls are really good athletes — six of them have committed to college — so it’s not going to be easy.”

“Their girls aren’t incredibly tall but they do jump very high,” Winn continued.

The Vikings’ strategy will rely on lightning fast serves to disrupt the quality of their passes.

“The key to getting them out is to serve really tough,” Winn said. “It’ll take away some of their options and make it easier for us to see where they’re going to go.”

Moreover, the Vikings are prepared to set up a solid defense against Long Beach’s serves and kills, Coleman said, citing their outside hitter Bria Russ as a serious threat for her high jumps. Russ has allegedly committed to the University of Southern California.

“Our defensive line is going to have a big game where they really need to key in on solid blocks and double blocks,” Winn added. “[Middle blocker] Melanie Wade will also need a good blocking night to take away some of their best hits.”

Despite the looming challenge of tomorrow’s game, the Vikings say they are prepared to fight for the state title.

“We have lots of momentum and big victories on our side,” Winn said. “We also have a home court advantage so we don’t have to travel down south, and we’ll have lots of fans and positive energy in San Jose. The girls are really confident.”

Winn encourages members of the Paly community to come out to support the team at 7 p.m. tomorrow in San Jose State University’s Event Center, 290 South 7th Street. The full bracket can be found here.

For fans who cannot make it, the game will be streamed live on FOX Sports West. The game will also be archived here for those who are unable to view live.