By Anson Skinner
After a dominant 3-0 victory over the Santiago Sharks, the Girls Volleyball team continues its remarkable playoff journey. They are now advancing to the CIF Semifinals, a milestone that few expected before the season began. Team Captain Ally Fausett openly admitted that at the start of the year, the team “thought we were going to be really bad,” expressing the low expectations many of the players had early on. However, as the season progressed, that uncertainty quickly turned into determination. According to Fausett, the team “grinded a lot this season,” putting in hours of practice, focusing on communication, and steadily building the chemistry that has now made them one of the most formidable teams in their division. Going into their match against Santiago High, Fausett described how nerves played a major role before the game, explaining that it was the team’s “first CIF away game” and that they “don’t really know the atmosphere especially with all the underclassmen.” The players had to quickly adapt to a different environment, one that tested their composure and ability to perform under pressure. Despite the unfamiliar setting, the Dolphins showed resilience, dominating from start to finish and maintaining their calm even when the crowd’s energy and playoff stakes grew intense. This season’s success carries even more weight given how young the roster is. Fausett and Varsity Player Chelsea Day are the only seniors on the team, and both are among just three returning varsity players from last year. Since “12 seniors graduated last year,” the team had to rebuild nearly from scratch. Day reflected on that challenge, acknowledging that forming strong team chemistry has “been difficult but successful so far.” Their leadership has been crucial in guiding the newer players and setting the standard on the court. The win over the Sharks extends the Dolphins’ impressive streak to six straight victories, including three consecutive 3-0 sweeps, signaling their dominance heading into the semifinals. The long and demanding season has taken a toll, both physically and mentally, yet the motivation within the team remains strong. As Day put it, “I’m really tired, but I want to win, and I want to keep going.” The Dolphins now prepare for their next test on Nov. 1st, when they travel to face the La Cañada Spartans in the CIF Semifinals, one step away from the championship and a chance to bring the long-awaited CIF title back home.