On Aug. 22, 2024, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls volleyball team started their season off strong with a 3-0 sweep against Rio Mesa High School (Rio Mesa). The Dragons started out tough with multiple kills to start the first set. The Dragons momentum didn’t fall as they completed the first set 25-14.

Despite the Dragons easy first set, Rio Mesa fought back with continuous rallies and kept the score tight during the second set. Channing McClure ‘25 kept it difficult for the offense of Rio Mesa as she blocked their hits, siding Foothill Tech out to 11-12. Another star for the Dragons was Leilani Wallace ‘28 who crushed the defense and put the Dragons at a 2 point lead. As the set wore on, the game became tied at 23-23, leaving little room for mistakes. Morgan Houstan ‘25, although an offensive player, shined through on defense the end of the set as she assisted two kills by McClure to give Foothill Tech the set 25-23. 

Fiona Holt ’28 spoke on her time on the team, saying, “I love everyone, when I was at tryouts I made friends with everyone there, it was so fun, I loved it.” 

Foothill Tech now had a 2-0 set lead as the large student section cheered on the Dragons keeping their spirits high going into the third set. As Lilac Reyes ‘26 and Emily Turner ‘26 secured multiple aces throughout the set, the Dragons still fought with Rio Mesa to take the lead.

Turner started a comeback from 19-21 with an ace followed by a kill from Holt which resulted in Rio Mesa calling a timeout. Foothill Tech took the lead 22-21, and Holt showed her stamina through a rally which finished the set at a 25-23 to give the Dragons the win with a 3-0 sweep. 

Channing McClure ’25 reflected on the game, saying, “I mean, we came out really strong, I like how we had a big student section, that’s really rare — I think we played really tough, even in the hard moments we decided to come back and that’s really good.” 

The Dragons are hoping to carry this momentum into their next home game against Oak Park High School on Sept. 3.