By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
CV volleyball team wins five-set thriller vs. CHS, ties for last place in WAC
60218a.jpg
60218a
Central Valley High School varsity volleyball fans witnessed an amazing comeback last week.

The Hawks spoiled crosstown-rival Ceres High's Senior Night by rallying for a 15-25, 21-25, 25-16, 25-19, 15-5 victory on Oct. 29 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

"Our attitudes changed," Central Valley co-captain Malynda Lomeli said. "We didn't want to lose to them, especially us seniors. I believe in my team. We're good when we play together."

Said Ceres High head coach Stephanie Hamilton: "We didn't finish. We played too safe. Our nerves got the best of us."

The Hawks and Bulldogs tied for last place in the Western Athletic Conference with identical 2-10 record.

Ceres High beat Central Valley twice.

The Bulldogs beat third-place Livingston and fifth-place Patterson.

The Hawks swept the Bulldogs, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16, on Oct. 3. Central Valley erased a six-point deficit in the opening set.

"I know my girls are upset," Hamilton said. "We wanted to finish the year with a win. We should have done better. It's a little frustrating."

Lomeli dished out a team-high eight assists against the Bulldogs this past week.

Nicholette Mendez, Mia Lorenzo and Leah Faamati had six aces, five kills and three blocks, respectively.

Diana Salgado led Ceres High with 15 digs, five kills and four aces.

Yvonne Verduzco collected 15 digs.

Jasmine Magana had five aces, five digs and two kills.

Kassi Ruiz (five digs, four assists, two aces and one kill), Fulu Tevaseu (five kills and two digs), Valerie Hamilton (four digs, two aces and one kill), Laura Story (four kills and one dig), Dia Borden (four digs and one ace), Sara Graham (two kills and two digs), Brooke Anderson (three assists and one kill) and Arianna Mata (three assists and one kills) also chipped in.

Ceres High recognized seven senior players before the match, including Salgado, Magana, Ruiz, Story, Borden, Mata and Aileen Alarcon.

Lomeli, Kirsten Berengue, Julie Flores and Jessica Martinez, Central Valley's upperclassmen, were acknowledged as well.

Central Valley elevated its level of playing after dropping the first two sets.

The Hawks won the decisive set, 15-5.

"It's kind of a blur," Lomeli said while talking about her team's stunning comeback. "We beat them last time. I knew it wasn't going to be easy tonight."

"We didn't communicate," Stephanie Hamilton said. "That was our demise in the end."

Central Valley improved its all-time record versus Ceres High to 5-9.

The Hawks have won the last four meetings.