By Christian Romo
It wasn’t the easiest victory, but the Wildcats finally overcame their league rivals for the first time in six years.
On a day highlighting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Monrovia Wildcats (12-1) swept the South Pasadena Tigers (5-6) (25-17, 25-21, 25-20) Tuesday afternoon in Monrovia. Though initially struggling on offense, the Wildcat’s front line played a key role defending at the net against South Pasadena’s attacks and overpowering the Tiger’s own front line.
Junior Caroline Mulvihill (#9) attacked strongly for the Wildcats, recording nine kills and two aces along with two blocks. Senior Riley Carius (#13) anchored the Wildcat defense up front, using the team’s newfound height advantage to frustrate the Tiger attack. “This is the first year we’ve ever had height,” she said, “so we usually don’t feel like it’s an advantage for us. We’re not used to having it.”
South Pasadena senior Molly Feldmeth (#6) recorded a match-high thirteen kills, but struggled to find holes in the Wildcat’s defense. “They were stacked on Molly. They knew exactly what she was going to run, when she was going to run it,” said Tigers coach Shari Iwatami of Monrovia’s game plan. Feldmeth took control of a second set timeout, trying to inspire her team after the Tigers gave up an early 6-0 advantage. “It was looking a little dead on the court, and we needed to have a lot more energy,” said Feldmeth.
South Pasadena’s energy manifested in senior Madison Hirano (#15), who had nine digs and lead the Tiger’s tenacious back line. Wildcat’s sophomore Da’Niesha Davis (#7) added nine kills and two aces, but Monrovia struggled to run plays against South Pasadena’s defense. The Wildcat’s front line of Carius, Davis, and senior Vivian But (#15) provided more than enough support, however, to overpower the Tigers.
Monrovia’s win signaled a power shift in the Rio Hondo League, which the Tigers have won the last three seasons. Though the Cats are now top dog in the league, Monrovia coach Wayne Teng isn’t ready to celebrate, instead worrying about the match at South Pasadena later this month. “That house is very hostile,” he said. “If you start getting rattled, you’re not going to function well.”
Monrovia next visits San Marino on Thursday afternoon, while the Tigers hope to break a second-place tie against La Cañada in South Pasadena at the same time.
(Note: Monrovia, in white, and South Pasadena, in pink, wore special shirts to commemorate breast cancer awareness. Not all the numbers, however, correspond with the numbers on the original rosters.)