Women’s volleyball champions Chico High in home game

PHOTO: Senior Kaylie Adams and Junior Isabella Garma-Murphy jump and successfully block the ball.

By Alyssa Hwang

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

Davis High’s women’s varsity volleyball team defeated Chico High on August 28th at a home game, winning 3 out of 4 total sets.

DHS players ran out to the poster-adorned South gym before starting the first set of the game at 7 p.m. Immediately, junior Juliana van Boxtel’s ace secured the first point of the game, but the team was unsuccessful in sustaining their lead.

The first set resulted in a 20-25 loss for Davis, but the Blue Devils faced redemption during the second set. Davis’ defense quickly scored against Chico’s first serve and established a 6-0 lead within the first five minutes. 

After struggling with serve-receive, Davis got the ball back and sustained their lead, ultimately winning the second set 25-18.

In resolving Davis’ initial disadvantage, varsity coach Julie Crawford named her game strategy, “just playing smarter not harder.”

Davis took the lead in the third set as well. From serving to hitting, outside hitter junior Isabella Garma-Murphy showcased her strong offense and got Davis to the game point, where van Boxtel dumped the ball and secured Davis’ second set victory.

The Blue Devils faced uncertainty upon the fourth set, with Chico in the lead and competition rising. The team quickly sharpened its offense and consistently challenged Chico’s hits, eventually gaining the lead. 

A series of serves from libero senior Rowan Reising brought Davis to game point, with Davis winning its third set 25-16 and taking the victory against Chico High.

Junior middle Cate Wells believes that the team’s persistence was the key point of the game. “Our spirit and our ability to come back from their runs, […] I think we kept that consistent throughout [the game],” Wells said.