Chargers Headed into the Championship Match after Five Game Battle
Samoa had 20 kills Saturday afternoon. |
December 5th, 2009
Stockton, Calif. – After sweeping their first two State Championship tournament matches, the Chargers were in for a battle taking on Orange Empire rivals Irvine Valley. After falling behind by a set, Cypress was able to win it in five sets, 23-25, 25-18, 22-25, 25-18, and 15-12. The win will send Cypress to their first ever State Championship match. Sophomore outside hitter Marina Samoa led the Chargers with 20 kills, 25 digs, and three aces. Head Coach Nancy Welliver was relieved to get this match in their pockets, “I’m glad we got this one because we don’t have 2 matches left in us. One we can do. Irvine Valley played so much better than we last faced them.”
Cypress lost their first game of the tournament losing game one 25-23. IVC took the lead in game two as well but Cypress rallied to win 25-18 and tie the match at 1-1. IVC came right back in the third game to take the 2-1 and put Cypress’s back to the wall forcing a do-or-die situation. Cypress roared ahead in the fourth game 17-10. IVC inched closer but Cypress held on to win and force the fifth game. The dramatic fifth game proved to be exciting with 11 ties and eight lead changes. Cypress fell behind 12-11 before going on a four point streak to clinch the win 15-12.
Freshman setter Giajaida Vargas anchored the Chargers with 54 assists, nine digs, and two kills. Freshman outside hitter Kelly Chiffer chipped in 15 kills while sophomore outside hitter Katie Saavedra added 13 kills and 15 digs. Freshman middle blocker Kayla Pace was efficient in her time on the floor with 9 kills and a .444 attack percentage while putting down three blocks. Freshman defensive specialist Madison Moss made 18 digs.
Cypress (24-4) will take on either Irvine Valley again, Orange Coast, or Sierra for the Championship. The way this double elimination tournament works is that if Cypress’s opponent wins, they will play a final game to 30 for the championship. Cypress must either win the first match or the do-or-die last set for their first ever championship. The match will take place at 1:00 pm at San Joaquin Delta.
