Plus, scores from around the Foothill League
Following a straight-set sweep over the Castaic Coyotes, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20, the Valencia Vikings are unbeaten through the first four games of the Foothill League volleyball season.
“I was really happy with how we received and also handled the transition balls,” Valencia head coach Brendan Riley said. “I think we were in sync more than we were out of sync today. So, I’d always like to see that.”
In the win over Castaic (9-4, 1-4), the Vikings (14-7, 4-0) were dominant and never let the Coyotes rally to take the lead.
One of the anchors on defense for Valencia was senior middle blocker Dylan McFatridge.
All game long McFatridge provided timely blocks and, in the second set, secured the set-winning block to put Valencia up 2-0.
“He is a coach on the court. I don’t ever have to tell him what to do. He has a super-high volleyball IQ,” Riley said. “He knows exactly what we’re doing. He knows what’s going on the other side. He’s one that I don’t have to worry about.”
McFatridge ended the day with six blocks and also tallied four kills across the three sets.
The Vikings have won 10 out of their last 11 and, with their recent streak of success, all Riley is worried about is the next game.
“We’re worried about Golden Valley,” he said in response to the unbeaten start to league. “I’m happy with the start, but I know it’sgoing to be tough.”
The Vikings play again on Wednesday at home against the visiting Golden Valley Grizzlies with the game set to begin at 5 p.m.
The Coyotes will look to bounce back on Tuesday in their next Foothill League match against the Saugus Centurions at home with the game scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
After Tuesday’s games, here are scores from around the Foothill League:
West Ranch 3, Hart 2: The Wildcats (5-6, 2-2) defeated the Hawks (6-8, 2-2) in a five-set thriller, 26-24, 26-24, 21-25, 14-25, 15-12, and improved to 2-2 in league play.
The Wildcats improved to 5-6 overall and will look to build upon their momentum on Thursday at Canyon High School against the Cowboys.
The Hawks will look to bounce back at home against the visiting Saugus Centurions.
Both games are set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
Canyon 3, Golden Valley 1: After starting the league season 0-2, the Cowboys (12-7, 0-2) have bounced back and won two straight games over the Coyotes and Grizzlies (4-10, 1-4).
On Tuesday, the Cowboys defeated the Grizzlies in four sets, 25-23, 24-26, 25-15, 25-15, and improved to 12-7 overall.
The Cowboys will look to keep up their winning momentum on Thursday against the West Ranch Wildcats with the first serve set for 5:30 p.m.
The Grizzlies fell to 4-10 overall with the loss and will look to bounce back against the Valencia Vikings on Wednesday with the game set to begin at 5 p.m.
Photos below from Valencia’s win over Castaic:
