Vista volleyball beats Christian Brothers for first time in five years

Vista del Lago’s varsity girls’ volleyball team had lost to Christian Brothers eight straight matches dating back to COVID prior to Monday’s win in four sets, 22-25, 25-18, 25-17, and 25-20. The Eagles did not come out strong in the match, as they dropped the first game, but the team had the fight and determination not to let that first game set the tone and they came back to win the next three sets somewhat convincingly. The girls were excited to beat the Falcons. “I believe we went into tonight’s match with intention and faith in each other,” said Lily Smith, who led the team with 21 kills. “These last couple matches we have been playing less tense and have truly played with passion. We really showed that tonight, as we all put in 100 percent effort and ended up with an amazing outcome.” Said libero Rylan Nettleton, who was diving all over the floor to save balls, while also celebrating her birthday, “We knew going into tonight’s match that it would be tough; CB is a solid team. I think we came together after being so close the first set and refused to give up. Every single person that stepped foot on the court gave it their all. We all did our job. We kept the intensity and I am beyond proud of how we played and excited for what’s to come.” Said Avery Pettus, who had five kills, three blocks and three aces, “I think we all came together after the first set and knew that each one of us had to give a little more effort if we were going to pull this off. We also celebrated every good moment and didn't get down on ourselves. We didn't let up on the gas pedal and never gave them a moment to catch up.” Vista didn’t come out very offensive, as half the points they scored in the first set were off Falcons’ mistakes, but picked things up in the second set. Smith had four kills, two aces and a block, while Madelyn Shaw had two kills and two blocks and Pettus added one kill, two blocks and an ace. Smith had her best game in the third set, leading the way with eight kills and an ace and then she ended the match with five kills in the fourth set. “Our girls have been preparing hard for this match, really working on staying mentally strong, finding good placement on offense and focusing on our defensive positioning and system,” said Vista assistant coach Jarod Robles. “Tonight was a great opportunity to see that work in action. We’re continuing to grow as a team, and matches like this give us valuable experience that will help us throughout the season, as we fight in contention for the league title.” Vista’s next match is home against Inderkum on Wednesday before traveling to Woodcreek on Monday in the biggest match of their season to date.