It might have taken nearly three hours and it might have blown a couple sizeable leads. But in the end, La Salle showed its heart, determination and perseverance in Tuesday’s 5-set victory over visiting St. Joseph of Lakewood. The Lancers (13-7 overall, 2-0 in league) led by 10 points in the first set, and led […]
It might have taken nearly three hours and it might have blown a couple sizeable leads.
But in the end, La Salle showed its heart, determination and perseverance in Tuesday’s 5-set victory over visiting St. Joseph of Lakewood.
The Lancers (13-7 overall, 2-0 in league) led by 10 points in the first set, and led again in the third, but dropped both sets.
Coach Tiare Tuitama’s squad, though, found a way to pull out a 24-26, 25-15, 26-28, 25-13, 15-12 victory to remain in first place in the Del Rey League, and despite a team-high 22 kills from St. Joseph junior Sualua Pepe, who was outstanding.
“It was a great win in 5, and is something we haven’t done in a few years at home,” Tuitama said. “Our serving and serve-receive was huge for us. (Pepe) was a threat in the front row and back row. We put our best foot forward to give us our best opportunity.”
Sophia Anderson was just named team captain today and played like it.
Anderson had a match-best 26 kills.
“Sophia Anderson owned up to that captain position,” Tuitama said. “She is a junior and the last two games, she was our go-to hitter. She was our best all-around player.”
Emily Noble had 14 kills, and Emily Wasson added 11 more kills.
Martha Padilla was solid throughout for St. Joseph (10-6, 1-1) with 16 kills and Alexa Gallegos had 44 assists.
“We had too many young kids on the court. We’re not at full capacity and neither is La Salle,” St Joseph coach Jeri Estes said. “It’s tough to get kids prepared for this environment. Sualua is a great leader and played really well with our setter tonight.”
La Salle has three transfers that will be eligible on Monday, and they looked anxious to get out on the court for Tuitama.
“It was huge (to get win without the transfers). They’re not used to sitting on the bench and they are hungry to get on the court. They also know what we expect from them,” the coach said.
There was a point midway through the match that had the Lancers players go crazy.
When freshman Vanessa Ramirez got a kill from the libero position, which is rare, it meant her father owed the team pizzas, and the entire bench went crazy.
Tamia Cephus had 27 assists, Ramirez had 17 digs and Devon Nardoni added 14 assists and 7 digs.
La Salle won’t play again until next Tuesday, when the Lancers host St. Paul at 6 in another league showdown.
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