Girls’ volleyball: Falcons top LG, prepare for CCS

The frustration of a losing league season faded away for one night on Oct. 24 when the Falcons beat their biggest rival, Los Gatos High, 3-1 during an away game on the Wildcats’ senior night, ending their season with a win and a 2-10 record.  

Even more significant, they will be competing in Division III CCS on tomorrow night at 7 p.m. against Prospect High, despite finishing in last place in the De Anza League.

“I think our high energy and spirits will carry us through CCS and we will do really well,” co-captain senior outside Riley Carter said. “I think we are finally clicking on all levels and our energy is the highest it’s ever been.”

During the game on Oct. 24, senior libero Hannah Fan carried the defense with 24 digs, while Carter had 15 digs and junior outside Katie Hulme dug out 23.

“I think Los Gatos put up a really good fight, but we were ready to take it to them and beat them on their own senior night,” Carter said.

On Oct. 23, the Falcons played Palo Alto High at home on their senior night, celebrating their five seniors as they played their last volleyball game. The ceremony consisted of a dance and speeches by the rest of the team, honoring seniors middle hitter Belle Strawn, opposite hitter Paige Hansen, co-captain setter Dasha Gousseva, Fan and Carter. The night ended with a 3-0 loss to the Vikings.

“The underclassmen put on the best senior night ever for us,” Carter said. “It was really heart-felt and was one of the best nights of my life.”

On Oct. 19, the Falcons lost 3-0 to Homestead at home. Although the girls fought their hardest and played aggressively, they fell short in all three sets 25-17.

During an away game at Lynbrook on Oct. 17, the Falcons lost 3-2. The first game ended in a 25-20 loss, but the girls bounced back, taking the second set 26-24 with Carter and Gousseva leading the team. The Falcons’ defense broke down in the third set, leading to a 25-20 defeat. In the fourth set, Hulme dominated with not only her quick hits, but also her consistent passing, resulting in a 25-23 win. Despite Hulme’s dominance and 18 kills in the match, they fell short in the fifth set 15-8.

An away game on Oct. 10 at Monta Vista resulted in a 3-0 loss. The girls lost the first set 25-15, but continued to fight on in the second in third set. Inconsistent serve-receive passing led the Falcons to lose 25-20 and 25-21.

“Every game was extremely close and we played well as team,” junior defensive specialist Michelle Vu said. “Moving forward I think we have to continue to improve our defense.”