By Devin Tse
The Mirror
Sports Editor
SPORTS
Just The Beginning After This Year’s Disappointment
November 9, 2017
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Mistakes down the stretch was the difference in the playoff match as the Girl’s Volleyball close off the season.
The Volleyball Girls took the season by a storm as they won game after game, eventually making it to the playoffs.
Led by captains Alex Dalumpines, Lolit Aninias, Maureen Bompat, and Soana Manu, Van Nuys started off the season with a 5-0 record in league play.
Manu was the focal point of offense as she totaled 70 kills and 24 aces throughout the season by attacking her opponents with cross court and line shots from the outside position.
Alongside was sophomore Catalina Rodriguez and junior Kiara Gebert. The team sparked the offense from the front row, producing a combined total of 75 kills and 4 aces.
The defensive duo libero Emily Tsaturian and defensive specialist Maureen Bompat had a total of 135 digs. Often diving for the tips and sprinting for the ball, both girls kept the ball in play for the setter and hitters.
Consistent passing on receive and defense allowed setters Dalumpines and Lauren Woolsey to dish out many sets and combos to their hitters. The girls had a total of 201 assists with their attackers.
The season got shaky when Van Nuys first faced Sylmar in a four set thriller. After dropping the first set 13-25, Van Nuys recovered and obtained a 25-23 victory in the second set. As things got intense in the third set, Dalumpines started dishing out setter dumps and standout freshman Aileen Flores accompanied her with 2 solo blocks. However, Van Nuys would fall short, dropping the third and fourth set.
With a final league record of 9-3 and overall record of 15-14, Captain Alex Dalumpines is hopeful for a successful playoff run.
“I believe that we have the capabilities and talent on this roster to compete with the other Division 1 schools. We look forward to the challenge and we are hungry for a championship,” Dalumpines said.
In the second round of the CIFLACS Division 1 playoffs, Van Nuys traveled to Chatsworth on Thursday, Nov.2.
Chatsworth had the early lead due to passing errors from Van Nuys. The Wolves would respond as they found their groove at the service line. Applying the pressure was #20 Lauren Woolsey, #18 Catalina Rodriguez, and #7 Alex Dalumpines as their float serves brought them back into the match. However the Chancellors would prevail in a 25-16 win.
Right from the start it was a back and forth affair. As both sides demonstrated their passing abilities it pushed Van Nuys to execute their offense to perfection. Rodriguez and #21 Aileen Flores would lead the offensive charge as they both had crosscourt hits and tips. Passing errors and miscommunication down the stretch would result in a 25-21 lost.
In the final set both teams were found themselves in a highly contested match. Van Nuys would continue their consistent passing as it allowed the offense to claim an early lead. At the midway point, Chatsworth would begin to click offensively as their outside hitters began to find their niche. Van Nuys would respond by digging the ball with ease. However unforced errors would allow Chatsworth to take the lead and eventually capture a 25-16 win.