The game between Arcadia High School’s (AHS) Girls Varsity Volleyball team and John Muir High School (JMHS) ended in favor of AHS with a final score of 3-0 on Sept. 30.

The games started slowly with several aces on both sides. The first minutes of the game were in JMHS’ favor, with them consistently leading at least several points ahead. For both teams, there were several out-of-bounds and missed serves. However, due to good attacks by AHS, they led by five points continually afterward.

With many spikes on the AHS team, Muir responded with strong defense especially from their libero. AHS players freshmen Malia Takeoka and Natalie Flores were seen with many vigorous spikes and kills. The first set ended in AHS’ favor with a score of 25-14.

The second set started with AHS quickly gaining ground with spikes and serves and failed digs from Muir.

“During the second set, we got a really good start off with our set of serving runs, so that just gave us the momentum that we needed,” said Flores.

From there, things for AHS really started to take off with consistent serves and great rallies. Halfway through the second set, AHS was 11 points ahead and quickly pulled to a 16-point lead due to serves and tips that set Muir unbalanced.

When asked about improvements for JMHS, Kissia Repalda stated, “More communication, …better covering for the tips and better serve receiving” was what they were missing during the game.

Before the end of the set, both teams delivered good spikes and blocks. The second set ended with the final score of 25-8.

Finally, with the third set coming and a win on the line, both teams were gearing to put up a fight. Muir pulled ahead at the very beginning with several aces from AHS.

In terms of improvements, Flores said, “being consistent no matter the opponent, no matter how difficult the game is, … playing [our] own game” is really what they need to focus on.

However, due to many miscommunication errors on JMHS’ side, AHS was able to secure a five-point lead and widened the gap. The set ended with a score of 25-15 and AHS winning the game with a final score of 3-0.