Volleyball Shark Attack at Santa Paula

The  girls varsity volleyball team took a big bite out of a strong Santa Paula squad on Thursday in a 3-0 (26-24, 25-8, 25-18) victory on the road.

"Away games are always more of a challenge," junior Moorea Maguire said.

"But we are a great team and travel to any game with a win on our minds," senior Lauren Kiefer added.

Amara Gwyn, senior team co-captain, said, "We have practiced really hard all week, we are a focused team."  

Paige Stoker, the other senior co-captain, commented before the game, "I really enjoy the winning attitudes of my teammates and we know we can win every game."

Game one tested the Sharks after a long bus ride. The back-and-forth game featured great play by both teams, with the squads exchanging the lead numerous times. In the end, the Sharks showed the heart it takes to win and stole a close 26-24 victory.

In game two, the Sharks stepped it up a bit. Solid play by Gwyn, Stoker, senior Coral Silverberg, junior Allison Hahn, junior Gigi Hadid, senior "Big" Mak Kizis and senior Bridgette Ricketts set a domineering presence that Santa Paula could not come back from. The Sharks won, 25-8.

Game three was well-played by both teams. Junior Logan Beitler and senior Carleigh Madden stepped up at key times and were backed by amazing offensive plays by Silverberg, Stoker and Hadid. The Sharks completed the trifecta run in three straight, taking the third and final game, 25-18.

The Sharks have won four straight and are focused on the upcoming matches.

"We determine how great this season will be," Silverberg said. "We play and practice hard to assure our success. We, as seniors, want to be remembered as one of the greatest teams to play at Malibu High."  

Hadid added, "Yea boi, and wheeze gonna do it." 

The upcoming week includes two home matches for the Sharks, against Grace Brethren on Tuesday and Carpinteria on Thursday. Both matches begin at 6 p.m.