The Gilroy High girls volleyball team took a giant step forward
Thursday
SALINAS – The Gilroy High girls volleyball team took a giant step forward Thursday with an impressive win over North Salinas in three games, 15-5,15-4, and 15-13.
The Lady Mustangs used defense and teamwork to defeat the Vikings and put a halt to their two-match league losing streak. With their second win of the regular season, the lady spikers now sit at 2-2.
“We will do well if the girls realize how good they are, even with only 10 players,” said head coach Sam Navarez, who had two sick players sit out in Allyce Mardesich and Lisa Arnold. “It is unfortunate I do not have everyone here. It makes it that much tougher for us.”
Even with two players out Gilroy still managed to get the job done – relying heavily on team chemistry. If it is a serve, a set, a kill, or a pass, the Lady Mustangs are always on the same page. Gilroy started out fast in the first game jumping out to a 6-0 lead, with outstanding serves from Kassi Thomas and Lourella Palao. The Lady Vikings tried to answer back, but were stopped in their tracks by Gilroy middle blocker Stacy Marques – who ended the the Vikings momentum with some key stuffs at the net.
The garlic spikers continued to dominate in the second game led by Raquel Lucente’s seven straight points that put the Lady Mustangs ahead for good. The team clicked in all categories – not letting the ball touch the ground and refusing to give an inch to the Vikings.
In the third game, North Salinas started strong, taking a 3-1 advantage. But that was as far as the Lady Mustangs would allow it to go. The Lady Mustangs’ solid all-around play proved to be the best game they’ve played in two weeks. Gilroy kept it going in the final game – surpassing the Lady Vikings and clinching victory. Palao put an exclamation point on the match with a powerful kill off a bad pass by North Salinas. Palao made them pay with a crushing spike into the ground with authority.
Gilroy received a strong performance from Shayna Kiefer – who set up her teammates, served strong and laid down the hammer when called upon.
“We played well. The ladies are starting to believe in themselves. This team always has someone different step up in each of our games,” Coach Navarez said. “I think we did excellent. We played together as a team today. In practice, we ran over plays and it carried over into the game.”
Gilroy’s spikers need that same chemistry next week for an Oct. 21 match-up against a talented Live Oak team – who will be waiting in Morgan Hill for the rival Lady Mustangs to show up.
