All three Santa Monica volleyball teams only lasted three games into the CIF volleyball semifinals on Tuesday.
After a fast start in the first set, the Poly Panthers adjusted on the fly and countered the attack of the Samohi Vikings.
“They did a good job scouting our team,” said Samohi coach Liane Sato. “We just just couldn’t get in a rhythm and get our groove on.”
The Panthers would take the first set 25-18 and follow it up in the final two sets 25-13 and 25-16.
“Real tough, they’re a great team,” Sato said. “Semifinals for this group of girls at Samohi (is) a fantastic finish for them. (It was) an awesome season.”
The Lighthouse Christian Saints had just as much trouble with Sierra Canyon. A slow start put the Saints down two sets after losing 25-14 and 25-15.
“Sierra Canyon brought it to a whole new level for us,” said Lighthouse coach Emily Hamilton. “Our offense usually works, but tonight we had to adjust to their defense.”
Hamilton said the Saints “ended on a high note” when they pushed the Trailblazers to the end before eventually falling 25-19.
And Pacifica Christian finally got to see a team that was ranked in the top 10 of Div. 4A in the Hemet Bulldogs.
Pacifica coach Billy Allen said against a team of this caliber, they “didn’t have many weaknesses.”
Hemet started strong with a 25-15 win in the first set. The Sea Wolves battled in the second to keep Hemet in check, but the Bulldogs still prevailed 25-20 and shut the door on PCH’s season by winning the third set 25-14.
