By Christine Garcia
On Thursday, Oct. 5, the Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) girls’ volleyball team lose against Corona del Mar (CdM), Sea Queens, 32-3 in the last game of the season. The first set ended 25-22 with the Barons taking the win. In the second set, Corona del Mar won by 25-21. However, the Barons won the third set by 27-25. The fourth set ended with 25-17, a win for the Sea Queens. Lastly, the game wrapped up 15-11 with another win for the Sea Queens.
In the gymnasium, the spirits were high and chants were so loud they could be heard from outside. Multiple rows of bleachers were filled with people who had come to support the volleyball team’s last game of the fall season.
Before the match began, FVHS celebrated and recognized each senior of the ‘23 graduating class.
The graduating seniors were, Lola Larson, Sophia Le, Joycemary Dang, Kalista Nguyen and Sadie Huffmire.
The Barons started strong with great communication and teamwork, playing like a machine. In the first set, FVHS shattered any chance that the Sea Queens would win.
By the second set, the volleyball team began to tire out. The team had issues with communication and fell short of receiving Corona del Mar’s spikes.
However, by the third set, the audience’s high morale was able to encourage the Barons volleyball team to rise from the ashes. The tensions ran high when the Barons started the set losing to Corona del Mar. Nevertheless, after diligent coaching from Rebecca Cheltenham, the Barons could take the set.
After, the Baron’s defenses and offenses began to weaken in the fourth and fifth sets causing a loss for the Barons, against the Sea Queens.
The Barons’ notable players were Larson, Dang, Le and sophomore Avery Medvin.
Larson received and blocked every ball that came at her, consistently. She was a valuable player especially when it came to blocking and hitting.
Dang was able to break down Corona Del Mar’s impenetrable blocks with her powerful spikes. She was a reliable outside hitter for the Barons.
Le successfully dove and received difficult hits for the Barons. She worked well with her team and successfully received balls that came her way.
Medvin had strong blocks and kills that ended Corona del Mar’s serves. Her consistent blocks throughout the game were what put her at the forefront.
In an interview after the game senior, Dang reflected on her experiences as a 4-year Baron volleyball player.
“I would like to thank everyone, all my teammates and my coaches for making this happen. It’s been a great four years and I can’t wait to see the program,” Dang said.
Dang is most proud of the team taking the game in two sets because it hasn’t been done before.
“I would like to say great job to all the seniors for working so hard throughout high school and falling out this game,” Le added.
Le is also most proud of receiving balls that were difficult to hit.
Despite the losses that the FVHS girls’ volleyball faced during the season, the team ended the volleyball season with a sense of pride.
The Barons will play next fall season.
