BREAKING: Olympian High School has secured the CIF Division III volleyball championship, triumphing over El Camino with a score of 20-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-21 in a thrilling match held Saturday at Montgomery. This victory marks Olympian’s first title since their three consecutive wins from 2014 to 2016, overcoming a challenging start to the season that included a seven-match losing streak.
The Eagles demonstrated a relentless defensive effort and a balanced attack, led by Jade Araujo, who recorded 13 kills. Teammates Annabelle Johnson and Nyssa Dickson contributed nine kills each, while Tierrah Santana and Annette Olaoye added seven kills apiece. Olaoye also made an impact defensively with five blocks.
In a gripping opening set, El Camino took an early lead, winning 25-20. However, Olympian quickly regrouped, showcasing their resilience. “I always tell my girls that defense wins games,” said coach Yvette Macias. “Our girls found out what it means to be consistent.”
Senior libero Keilana Cruz emphasized the team’s mental strength, stating, “We think of the future when we’re playing,” which helped them rebound in subsequent sets. Olympian took control in set two, jumping to a 17-10 lead and finishing strong with nine consecutive points.
El Camino’s Grace Houston was notable with 13 kills, and Brooke Stark added 12 kills along with two blocks. El Camino coach Alex Pukahi reflected on the season, saying, “We won 30-plus games and made it here from a program that doesn’t have a lot of club players. I’m proud of that.”
In another championship match, top-seeded Santa Fe Christian delivered a commanding performance against Patrick Henry, winning 25-12, 25-13, 25-19. Freshman Nariah Johnson led the Eagles with an impressive 19 kills. Coach Megan Lawley emphasized the importance of using their middle players effectively, a strategy that paid off in the final.
Patrick Henry’s team, led by senior Alyssa Chu with 12 kills, fought valiantly but couldn’t match Santa Fe Christian’s offensive prowess. Coach David Chau praised his team’s effort, stating, “Regardless of results, I’m extremely proud of the work it took to get here.”
As the CIF playoffs continue, these championship victories not only highlight the skill and determination of the players but also set the stage for exciting developments in the world of high school volleyball.
Stay tuned for updates as the postseason unfolds!
