November 10th 2024.
In the world of high school sports, there are few things more satisfying than finally achieving a long-awaited victory. And for the St. Francis volleyball team, that moment came on Saturday night at Palo Alto High School.
After a heartbreaking loss in last year's Central Coast Section final, the Lancers were determined to leave no unfinished business this time around. And they did just that, defeating St. Ignatius in an epic four-set match to claim the CCS title.
It was a roller coaster of a game, with wild momentum swings in each of the first three sets. But the Lancers never gave up, coming together as a team, trusting each other, and working hard until the very end.
Senior Grace Gowdy led the charge with 17 kills and nine digs, and she expressed the team's feelings perfectly: "It was definitely a roller coaster, but it was one that was totally worth it in the end. We had the ups, we had the downs. But in the end, we came together. We played as a team, we trusted each other and we worked hard."
The matchup was highly anticipated, with many expecting a rematch between St. Francis and Archbishop Mitty, the top seed and favorite to win the CCS title. However, St. Ignatius had other plans, pulling off a stunning upset in the semifinals to earn their spot in the final.
And while the future may hold great things for St. Ignatius, this year's CCS trophy belongs to the Lancers. It was a hard-fought victory, but one that they will always remember.
In other CCS action, Sacred Heart Cathedral dominated in the Division III final, easily defeating Soquel in three sets. The Fightin' Irish will now set their sights on the state title, hoping to add another championship to their impressive record.
Meanwhile, in the NCS Division I final, Tamalpais overcame a strong effort from Campolindo to claim the crown in front of a packed gym. And in the NCS Division II final, Head-Royce continued their dominant season, winning their second consecutive section title.
But perhaps the most heartwarming moment of the night came in the NCS Division III final, where St. Joseph Notre Dame claimed their first ever section championship. It was a historic moment for the Alameda school, and one that they will surely cherish for years to come.
Overall, it was a weekend filled with intense competition, incredible performances, and well-deserved victories. And as the teams now look towards the state playoffs, one thing is for sure: they will be remembered for their hard work, determination, and unwavering dedication to their sport.
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