As the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls volleyball team nears the end of their season, the Dragons were bested by St. Bonaventure High School (Bonnie) at Foothill Tech’s home court on Oct. 1, 2024. The Dragons ended their game with a 0-3 loss.
In the first set, Foothill Tech played hard, winning and losing many rallies as Emily Turner ‘26 and Lilac Reyes ‘26 evaluated their competition. The Dragons made way for the powerful blocks and kills by Channing McClure ‘25 with their amazing defensive plays. Despite the Dragons lively energy and dynamic offensive skill, Bonnie made multiple power plays, bringing the score of the first set to 15-25.
To start the second set Samantha Jacobson ‘26 served to put Foothill Tech into a 5-2 lead. The Dragons used this momentum to their advantage, completing multiple plays with kills from Reyes and McClure.
Bonnie slowly fought their way to the top, challenging Foothill Tech with their hits and strategic tipping, taking the score to 14-17. Reyes showed her dominance on the court with multiple cut shots and line kills, exciting the crowd when the scoreboard read 16-18. Even with multiple suspenseful rallies, the Dragons barely lost the second set at a 22-25.
When asked what strengths on the team she thought were emphasized during the game despite the loss, coach Adell Oliveras responded, “I think we have a really good defense, as always being a shorter team it kind of works against us because when you hit well and you dig well it still hurts if you don’t block well, because you leave blocks and you leave a lot open on the court.”
In the third set, the Dragons tried to obtain a lead but each point ended with tough poaches by Bonnie. As the score reacheed 10-16, Foothill Tech picked up momentum when the dynamic duo of McClure and Morgan Houston ‘25 wracked up multiple aces and kills, tying the score up at 16-16. Bonnie matched that energy, and pulled away from the Dragons, bringing the score to 19-24. Foothill Tech attempted to defend themselves against Bonnie’s offense, Rylie Hannah ‘26 making impressive passes to give the Dragons some time, however, the game ended 20-25, cementing the 0-3 loss.
Reyes spoke on the game, saying, “I think we hung in there, the first set was not our best, but the second and third set we definitely hung in with them, and I feel like we really pushed ourselves this game.”
The Dragons will compete next on Oct. 9, 2024, against Carpinteria High School for their annual senior night taking place on their home court.
