Name: Julia Cruz School: Westridge School Sport: Volleyball Position: Defense Specialist Grade: Freshman Accomplishment: Cruz was unexpectedly brought up from junior varsity late in the season to fill in for an injured player. The freshman joined a roster full of under-the-weather players, and was instantly able to help stabilize the Tigers, including her defensive and […]
Name: Julia Cruz
School: Westridge School
Sport: Volleyball
Position: Defense Specialist
Grade: Freshman
Accomplishment: Cruz was unexpectedly brought up from junior varsity late in the season to fill in for an injured player. The freshman joined a roster full of under-the-weather players, and was instantly able to help stabilize the Tigers, including her defensive and serving strengths that were key in a win over Mayfield that earned Westridge its first Prep League title since 2006. Cruz has impressed coach Otto Lacayo so much that she’ll be on the Westridge playoff roster Tuesday night when the Tigers host Royal.
Quotable:
Westridge coach Otto Lacayo on Cruz:
“Julia Cruz was brought up from JV for the Nfinity/Hudl San Diego Tournament. Sophomore Nicole Gibbs had suffered a concussion during practice and with a small varsity team of nine, it was necessary to bring up another player. Julia quickly felt comfortable with the level of play and helped us win some big matches. Her aggressive serving and defense were difference makers. When we played Mayfield at the end of the season, we called on her again. She stepped up and brought stability to a team battling with their health. Moving forward, this freshman will be ready to compete in CIF hopefully with the support of a healthy varsity team.”
