Westridge Volleyball Wins Three Straight Sets Against South Pasadena

Madison Saito (#3) of South Pasadena High. – Photo by Jacob Bigley

By Christian Romo 

It was only the opening match of the volleyball season, but both the players and spectators were in midseason form Friday afternoon in South Pasadena.

The visiting Westridge Tigers (1-0) defeated the South Pasadena Tigers (0-1) three sets to none (25-16, 25-17, 25-11) in a non-conference rematch of their 2015 CIF playoff tilt. This match went much the same as the last, with Westridge winning in straight sets behind the stellar play of junior outside hitter Allison Martinez.

Even though this was a nonconference matchup, both teams were pleased to face familiar opponents. “A lot of the kids know each other, so it was an extra level of fun,” Westridge Coach Otto Lacayo said, adding that the familiarity helped them with their strategy. “We knew who not to hit to.”

Makana Meyer (#3) is set up for another spike. – Photo by Jacob Bigley

Westridge’s win was not without obstacles, however. The early start to the season left the Tigers with only seven available players, with the rest still away on summer vacation. But even with a skeleton crew, Westridge was able to overcome South Pasadena’s full roster behind a solid performance from outside hitters Makana Meyer and Martinez, who at one point knocked over an empty water cooler with a particularly ferocious kill.

South Pasadena was looking to avenge their early-round exit at the hands of the Tigers last November, but the three-time defending Rio Hondo league champions were once again no match for Westridge. In a telling moment at the end of the first set, South Pasadena senior libero Madison Hirano rolled her eyes and helplessly smirked after failing to dig a vicious spike from Martinez. Kills from Meyer and Martinez were a familiar sight throughout the afternoon.

Allison Martinez (#1) rises up for one of her many kills against South Pasadena. – Photo by Jacob Bigley

It was all smiles from the crowd, however, who showed up early to support their Tigers, whether in green-and-white or orange-and-black. They were also treated to an impromptu visit from the South Pasadena football team, who lead a boisterous chant before heading to their own game later that night at Rosemead.

South Pasadena hosts the Mayfield Cubs next Tuesday at 5 p.m. in another local non-conference match. Westridge next travels to Flintridge Prep for their first league match on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 5:15 p.m.

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