UPDATE: Olympian High School has emerged victorious in the CIF girls volleyball playoffs, capturing the Division III championship on October 28, 2023, with a thrilling 20-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-21 win over El Camino. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the team, which faced a challenging start to the season with a seven-match losing streak.
Using a relentless defensive strategy and a powerful offensive attack, Olympian secured its first title since dominating the championships from 2014 to 2016. Coach Yvette Macias emphasized the importance of defense, stating,
“I tell my girls all the time that defense wins games.”
The Eagles were led by standout player Jade Araujo, who delivered 13 kills, while teammates Annabelle Johnson and Nyssa Dickson contributed nine kills each.
El Camino initially took control of the match, leading 20-11 in the first set before winning it 25-20. However, Olympian quickly regrouped, showcasing mental resilience as they turned the tide in subsequent sets. Senior libero Keilana Cruz noted,
“We think of the future when we’re playing. When we moved on to the next set, we thought about it as 0-0.”
The Eagles surged ahead in the second set, scoring nine consecutive points to take a commanding lead. They faced a brief setback in set four, but crucial contributions from Dickson and Annette Olaoye, who combined for nine points, sealed the victory. Coach Macias expressed her pride, saying,
“It’s been a while since our program got this far. Our girls found out what it means to be consistent.”
In the Division II championship, top-seeded Santa Fe Christian showcased a dominant performance against second-seed Patrick Henry, winning in straight sets: 25-12, 25-13, 25-19. Freshman Nariah Johnson led the charge with 19 kills, while seniors Mali Carroll and Autumn Ermanis added eight kills and four blocks combined. Coach Megan Lawley highlighted the strategy shift that propelled their success, stating,
“If we want to win a championship, we’ve got to use our middles.”
Patrick Henry’s Alyssa Chu was notable in defeat, contributing 12 kills. Coach David Chau praised his team’s journey, saying,
“Regardless of results, I’m extremely proud of the work it took to get here.”
As the CIF playoffs continue, the achievements of Olympian and Santa Fe Christian serve as a reminder of the dedication and resilience that fuel high school sports. Fans are eagerly looking forward to the next stages of the competition as these teams aim for continued success.
