The Avalon High girls volleyball team is finding it’s rhythm. After a run to the championship match at the Liberty Christian Tournament over the weekend, the Lancers are 11-5 and set to open up league play with a home match against The Webb Schools on Saturday.
Despite having to play a grueling five matches on Saturday, the Lancers won their first four to reach the title game. They had 2-0 sweeps of host Liberty Christian and New Roads, while also topping Ambassador and Acaciawood by match scores of 2-1.
In the championship match, the Lancers battled Gahr High of Cerritos in a tough five-set title chase. The Gladiators eventually pulled out the match, 25-16, 23-25, 25-12, 20-25, 16-14, needing the extra point to get to the required two-point spread. On the day, the Lancers were led by their experienced upper class players. Senior outside hitter Gisselle Carrillo led the attack with 38 kills on the day. Junior Alina Cruz had 16 kills and junior middle blocker Araceli Leyva added 13 kills.
Junior setter Aubree Figueroa compiled 68 assists on the day and junior defensive specialist Selena Fernandez anchored the back row with 79 digs. With their recent success, Avalon coach Carlos Martinez is seeing a lot of potential for this year’s squad.
“Avalon volleyball is off to a great start to the season,” Martinez said. “I’m fairly optimistic about this year. There is a great blend of returning and reliable players and some talented underclassmen that make this team intriguing and they should only improve as the season progresses.”
The Lancers are heading into Academy League play with their Saturday match against Webb School. The match is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Avalon moved from the San Joaquin League to the Academy League this year. If they can qualify for a CIF-SS playoff spot, they are slotted to compete in the Division 7 bracket.
According to MaxPreps website rankings, the Lancers are currently ranked 12th in CIF-SS Division 7. The Webb Schools is slated to compete for a Division 6 playoff spot, but the Gauls are off to a rough start, having opened the season 0-6. And a home court advantage on Saturday should only improve the Lancers’ chances.
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