By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor It might be just one match in mid-September, but the much anticipated showdown tonight between Poly and Westridge will give one program a slight leg up in Prep League title chase. Westridge is hosting tonight at 5:30. If Poly is able to defeat Westridge tonight, they will be on solid […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
It might be just one match in mid-September, but the much anticipated showdown tonight between Poly and Westridge will give one program a slight leg up in Prep League title chase.
Westridge is hosting tonight at 5:30.
If Poly is able to defeat Westridge tonight, they will be on solid footing, because they not only took down perennial league power Mayfield last week on the road and in five games, they would have beaten the other league favorite and reigning champion (Westridge) on the road as well.
If Westridge were to hold serve at home, the Tigers would be the lone Prep League program with no losses (in league play).
Both teams have multiple stars.
The Panthers’ are led by sophomore Ella Mao and senior Halston Harper.
The Tigers have as formidable a 1-2 punch as anyone in the area with senior’s Makana Meyer and Allison Martinez.
But the supporting casts are just as impressive.
Poly has gotten solid contributions from Kate Salembier and Zoey Mao, while Westridge counts on Eryn Boken and Krystal Raymundo.
Last season, Poly stunned the Tigers on their home floor in 5 drama-filled sets.
Ella Mao had 12 kills, 21 assists and 6 aces, and Halston Harper finished with 9 kills, 6 blocks and 5 aces to counteract Allison Martinez’ 30 kills.
Twenty three days later, Westridge paid Poly back in a big way by sweeping the Panthers on their home court.
Both Makana Meyer and Allison Martinez had 17 kills apiece in that win.
Early 2017 Prep League Standings:
Poly (9-1 overall, 2-0 in league)
Westridge (4-0, 1-0)
Flintridge Prep (4-1, 2-1)
Mayfield (2-2, 2-1)
Chadwick (2-1, 1-1)
Firebaugh (0-4, 0-2)
Rio Hondo Prep (4-3, 0-3)
Poly vs Westridge in 2016:
First Meeting: September 20, 2016
Poly defeated Westridge, 27-25, 24-26, 19-25, 25-22, 15-11.
Second: October 13
Westridge defeated Poly, 25-16, 25-21, 25-22
