Olympian High School triumphed over El Camino High School in a thrilling showdown, clinching the CIF Division III volleyball championship on October 28, 2023. The Eagles emerged victorious with a score of 20-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-21, marking their first title since a remarkable three-year championship streak from 2014 to 2016.
The match showcased a consistent offensive strategy coupled with a tenacious defensive performance. Coach Yvette Macias emphasized the importance of defense, stating, “I tell my girls all the time that defense wins games. We love a big offense, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to pick up that ball.”
The Eagles’ attack was spearheaded by middle hitter Jade Araujo, who recorded 13 kills. Teammates Annabelle Johnson and Nyssa Dickson contributed nine kills each, while both Tierrah Santana and Annette Olaoye added seven. Olaoye also made a significant impact with five blocks at the net.
El Camino started strong, initially leading 20-11 in the first set. However, the Eagles regrouped and dominated the second set, scoring nine consecutive points to finish with a 25-10 victory. The third set saw a fierce back-and-forth battle, with the Wildcats briefly leading 19-18 before a late surge from Olympian sealed the set.
Despite the loss, El Camino coach Alex Pukahi praised his team’s achievements. “We won 30-plus games. We won league. We made it here from a program that doesn’t have a lot of club players. I’m proud of that,” he remarked.
The Eagles appeared poised to finish strong in the fourth set, leading 9-2, but the Wildcats rallied to eight points in a row. Ultimately, Dickson and Olaoye’s performance at the net proved decisive, allowing Olympian to secure the championship. Macias reflected on the victory, stating, “It’s a full-circle moment for me. Our girls found out what it means to be consistent.”
In the CIF Division II championship, top-seeded Santa Fe Christian dominated No. 2 Patrick Henry with a convincing 25-12, 25-13, 25-19 win. Freshman Nariah Johnson led the Eagles with 19 kills, supported by the senior duo of Mali Carroll and Autumn Ermanis, who combined for eight kills and four blocks.
Santa Fe Christian coach Megan Lawley noted the importance of utilizing their middle attackers, stating, “If we want to win a championship, we’ve got to use our middles.” The Eagles executed their game plan effectively, maintaining control throughout the match.
Patrick Henry’s senior outside hitter Alyssa Chu led her team with 12 kills, while Ellie Scribner and Ashlan Daniels contributed six and four kills, respectively. Despite the defeat, coach David Chau expressed pride in his team’s journey, emphasizing the hard work that led them to the championship match.
Both Olympian and Santa Fe Christian’s victories highlight the dedication and skill present in high school volleyball, capping off a thrilling season of competition.
