BREAKING: Olympian High School’s girls volleyball team has clinched the CIF Division III Championship with a thrilling comeback against El Camino, defeating them 20-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-21 at Montgomery on October 28, 2023. This victory marks Olympian’s first championship title since their three-year streak from 2014 to 2016.
After a challenging start to the season with a seven-match losing streak and entering the playoffs as a No. 7 seed, the Eagles showcased a relentless defense and formidable offensive strategy. “I tell my girls all the time that defense wins games,” said coach Yvette Macias. “We love a big offense, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to pick up that ball.”
Led by Jade Araujo, who delivered an impressive 13 kills, Olympian rallied from an early deficit. Senior libero Keilana Cruz emphasized their mindset, stating, “We think of the future when we’re playing… stay confident in your team and bring each other up because it’s not over yet.”
Despite a strong start from El Camino, who won the first set, the Eagles quickly regained control with a decisive second set, scoring nine consecutive points. Araujo’s pivotal performance in the third set propelled the Eagles past the Wildcats, who struggled to maintain their lead.
In a parallel matchup, Santa Fe Christian dominated the Division II Championship, defeating Patrick Henry 25-12, 25-13, 25-19. Freshman Nariah Johnson led the Eagles with 19 kills, demonstrating their depth and strategy adjustment during the season. Coach Megan Lawley remarked on the team’s growth, noting, “If we want to win a championship, we’ve got to use our middles.”
The Eagles’ relentless offense, spearheaded by a senior duo, Mali Carroll and Autumn Ermanis, who combined for eight kills and four blocks, kept them in control throughout the match. Patrick Henry’s coach, David Chau, praised his team’s journey, stating, “Regardless of results, I’m extremely proud of the work it took to get here.”
This championship victory not only solidifies Olympian’s resilience but also sets a hopeful tone for future seasons. With the Eagles now champions, all eyes will be on how they build on this momentum moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on high school sports and local champions as we continue to cover these thrilling developments!
