Malibu High Volleyball Shows Heart in Comeback Win Over Cate

Last year proved to be a disaster against Cate for the  girls varsity volleyball team. The Rams were strong and outplayed the Sharks. Facing them on Friday in Carpinteria was setting up to be a great test for Malibu, and the Sharks managed to ace it with a 3-1 (24-26, 25-18, 25-15 and 25-13) win.

As the match began, the Sharks showcased their offense and defense, but lost the first game due to issues with serving. Game two began with a sense of heart and pride as support players like Maddy Rotman, Wendy Rodriquez, Moorea Maquire and Kimmy Watson cheered the Sharks on and triggered a round of smiles. Malibu took a quick lead behind the quality sets of Paige Stoker and some strong kills from Amara Gwyn.

The play that seemed to cement the sharks confidence was a college-level dig by Coral Silverberg, resulting in a perfect pass to setter Stoker, who positioned a perfect one set to Bridgette Ricketts that resulted in a kill so hard, Cate will feel its impact for years to come. Athletic skills and heart clearly showing, the sharks rebounded to take game two convincingly.

Games three and four included numerous highlights with great serving by Makenizie Kizis, jaw-dropping kills by Gigi Hadid and a spike by Lara Kiefer that shook the court and made Malibu fans stand. Logan Beitler was brought in on key serves and delivered time after time.

The Sharks have a well-balanced team this season, and the comeback win against Cate proved it. Coach Carlos Gray has prepared these girls for volleyball success. The team plays again on Tuesday at home against Santa Paul. The match will begin at 6 p.m.