BREAKING: Olympian Secures First Volleyball Title Since 2016
UPDATE: Olympian High School has just clinched its fourth CIF volleyball championship, overcoming a challenging season to defeat El Camino with a score of 20-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-21 in the Division III finals at Montgomery.
The Eagles began the season with a troubling seven-match losing streak but rallied to prove their tenacity, reclaiming the championship title for the first time since winning three consecutive titles from 2014 to 2016. Coach Yvette Macias emphasized the importance of defense throughout the match, stating, “Defense wins games.”
Olympian’s standout player, Jade Araujo, led the charge with an impressive 13 kills, while teammates Annabelle Johnson and Nyssa Dickson contributed nine kills each. The Eagles showcased a relentless spirit, overcoming an early setback when El Camino took control of the first set.
“Something about us is that we just don’t remind ourselves of the past; we think of the future when we’re playing,” said senior libero Keilana Cruz. Her team’s resilience was evident as they fought back after losing the first set, quickly gaining momentum and securing the championship.
El Camino, the No. 1 seed, was led by Grace Houston with 13 kills. Coach Alex Pukahi praised his team’s accomplishments, noting they won over 30 games this season despite facing challenges.
As Olympian celebrated their victory, Coach Macias remarked, “It’s a full-circle moment for me. Our girls found out what it means to be consistent.”
Santa Fe Christian Dominates Division II Championship
In the Division II finals, top-seeded Santa Fe Christian delivered an equally impressive performance, defeating No. 2 Patrick Henry with a decisive score of 25-12, 25-13, 25-19. Freshman Nariah Johnson was the star of the match, racking up 19 kills as her team executed a powerful offensive strategy.
Coach Megan Lawley highlighted the team’s growth: “If we want to win a championship, we’ve got to use our middles.” The Eagles showed remarkable teamwork, with seniors Mali Carroll and Autumn Ermanis adding eight kills and four blocks to the victory.
Patrick Henry’s coach, David Chau, expressed pride in his team’s season, despite the loss, emphasizing the hard work that led them to the finals.
Both championship matches showcased the resilience and determination of high school athletes, making this a memorable season for all involved. As celebrations unfold, Olympian and Santa Fe Christian have solidified their places in high school volleyball history.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the aftermath of these thrilling championships!
