Gilroy
Olivia Tabron proved why she’s one of the Monterey Bay League’s kill leaders.
The junior opposite sitter asserted her power, blasting the Cougars to a 3-0 win over crosstown rival Gilroy Thursday at GHS.
Christopher won 25-21, 25-17, 25-22 over the Mustangs
Tabron led the Cougars with 10 kills in the game as well as five digs and four blocks. While her stats were impressive, Tabron really shined by motivating her teammates and keeping their energy up when they needed it the most.
Already having won two games, the Cougars were looking for the sweep when the Mustangs fired back. Game 3 saw the crosstown rivals tie it up 10 times and exchange the lead six times.
The end of the final game was a nailbitter with the score tied at 22-22. Tabron said her team just tried to stay composed and focused on the task at hand.
“We were just thinking that we needed to stay strong,” she said. “We knew we had won two games, but we didn’t want to go to a fourth game because you never know what can happen. Every pass counts, every hit and set and every dump counts.”
On the otherside of the net, it was the first time that Gilroy freshman Sarah Weiby had played Christopher. But she didn’t let the pressure get to her as she led the Mustangs with five kills in the match.
“It’s kind of intimidating because you know you’re going to see them outside the court,” Weiby said. “I guess you just to kind of focus on the game, not your opponent. I was getting a little excited at the end, I was hoping we’d win.”
Gilroy’s Jenna Clonts was also impressive, getting three kills and three blocks against CHS. All in all, first-year coach Elaine Price was impressed with her team’s effort.
“We just wanted to win. That was the best I’ve seen our girls play point for point against a team that’s club dominate,” Price said.
Though it was Christopher’s third game this week, the Cougars didn’t let that tax them. Tabron was in good company with standout performances from her teammates. Michelle Toves had 12 digs for CHS and Cheyanne Dela Merced had 23 assists in addition to her two kills and two digs.
For coach Brian Calimpong the win was bittersweet. As the former Gilroy volleyball coach he said he still wants to see his former players succeed, but at the end of the day he wanted the win for his new team more.
“I’m so proud of them (Gilroy), they did a really, really good job. They gave us a test tonight and the girls came out to play,” Calimpong said. “A lot of things went right for us, a lot of players stepped up for us. Sam Dolan did a good job, I think Olivia Tabron gets better by the day.”
The Cougars will play their fourth game this week at 6:30 p.m. against Anzar at home. Tabron said her team needs to find a way to muster up some energy and finish preseason play on a high note.
“We just need to stay strong and find some energy and motivation,” Tabron said. “We’re kind of burnt out, but if we have our minds focused and energy up I think we’ll do good.”
