On Sept. 25, the Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) girls volleyball team defended its home court at Cabrillo Middle School’s gymnasium against Dunn School (Dunn). The game was the second out of three back-to-back games from Sept. 23 to Sept. 26, which has proven to be a significant testament to the Dragons’ physical and mental resilience.
Foothill Tech made quick work of their opponent with a 3-0 sweep with huge help from the middles, Fiona Holt ‘28 and Janelle Nelson ‘28.
The Dragons set the tone early with a dominant performance at the beginning of the first set. Sam Jacobson ‘26 held a service run for seven consecutive points, which also hinted at their command of the game.
“For the first couple of serves, I do my routine serves so I get used to it, know the spots to go to, and then I start being a little more strategic. And then as I work my way up, I get more confident,” Jacobson said.
Foothill Tech won the first set 25-7.
“Every ball that came over on the overpass, we put immediately straight down back on their side. That’s usually not a strong suit for us, so I was really happy in this game that our middles got to be really strong and tall at the net,” Jacobson said. “I also think that we had great spots. We were hitting line and the little spots on the court that no one could cover.”
The Dragons continued their dominance into the second set, their play almost routine. Multiple service aces, along with mistakes made by Dunn, fueled the Dragons to another set win.
Foothill Tech head coach Adell Oliveras pointed out how “consistent energy, playing smart, not just giving them free balls or dumps, [and] kind of making them work for every point” was ultimately how the Dragons acquired the win in the second set, 25-13.
The beginning of the third set presented a few challenges for Foothill Tech as Dunn seemed to find their footing. Dunn even held a 6-2 lead at the beginning of the set, which forced Foothill Tech to call a timeout.
“There was an adjustment period on my defense, so I think that’s how they got a little bit of a lead. And then, once they kind of settled down with the new defensive captain in the back row, I think that’s when we got in and came back. Our offense really helped us,” said Oliveras.
Fast-paced kills from the middles propelled the offense for the Dragons, which helped Foothill Tech regain its momentum and take the third and final set 25-15.
“Like I said, our middles were on fire,” Oliveras said.
