On the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Foothill Technology High School girls varsity volleyball team faced Santa Clara High School in their last regular-season home game in the Cabrillo Middle School gym. This night was a special one, as it was Foothill Tech’s senior night, giving the seniors their time to shine. The Dragons took the victory in three exciting sets against Santa Clara.
The night began with the Dragons honoring their fellow opponents’ seniors by presenting them with flowers. Foothill Tech then held its traditional celebration, reading the heartfelt speeches to the senior teammates. These speeches gave insight into each player’s journey through volleyball and what their future holds.
After the celebration, Emily Turner ‘26 started off the game with an ace to win the first point of the game. With back-to-back hits by Maya Adams ‘28 and Lilac Reyes ‘26, the Dragons were able to secure an early lead of 4-2. However, Santa Clara would not let the Dragons gain points easily, as they collected multiple hits and blocks to fight back. With the help of some errors by the Dragons, as well as the winning of a long rally, Santa Clara was able to take the lead at 5-7.
“I’m really proud of my girls, obviously it was senior night, so I was trying to let my seniors just play, but it’s also hard not to give yourself a break when you’re making mistakes,” said coach Adell Oliveras.
Foothill Tech called a timeout and used it as a time to reset, and it soon became evident that the break was beneficial. Right after the end of the timeout, Reyes made a pass to set up Turner and Adams and the Dragons managed to get the kill to regain momentum. The set continued as both teams proved that this was going to be a close game, as the score would tip back and forth with both teams taking the lead at times. With the end of the set coming up and the score at 22-22, senior Sam Jacobson ‘26 went to the end line to serve. Santa Clara shanked the ball out, and Jacobson made multiple aces, helping to bring the team to game point at 24-22. To end the set, Jacobson made a pass to setter Peyton Fox ‘27, who then set to Reyes for the kill, ending the set with a score of 25-22.
Santa Clara began the second set with a serve into the net. The Dragons then had a couple more early aces and kills to gain the lead with a score of 7-1. As the set went on, Foothill Tech continued to make key plays to continue to dominate the second set. With the score at 24-19, Santa Clara was up to serve; this was the game point for the Dragons. As Fox set Fiona Holt ‘28 up for a powerful kill once again, which would end the set with a victory for the Dragons at 25-19.
The Dragons entered the third set up two sets, and were looking for a third win to close the game 3-0. Senior Emily Turner ‘26 once again started the third set as the server. However, she served it into the net, which gave Santa Clara the first point of the game. With more mistakes by the Dragons, Santa Clara was able to keep up, and the score stayed within one point throughout most of the game. Fortunately, Foothill Tech regained its footing near the end of the set.
Santa Clara called a timeout with the score at 18-13. The timeout proved to help the Saints as Foothill Tech made two errors, putting the Dragons neck and neck with Santa Clara. Shortly after, Reyes hit the ball out, resulting in a score of 21-21. A kill by Jacobson and Turner brought the score up to 23-22. Jacobson then went up to serve for the final points, where she aced, and the score reads 24-22. For the final point, Santa Clara hit the ball out, giving the Dragons a 25-22 victory and a last home game for the regular season.
