A promising run in the CIF State Division 1 girls’ volleyball playoffs was cut short for Long Beach Poly on Thursday evening, as the Jackrabbits were swept at Sierra Canyon in the quarterfinals, 25-17, 31-29, 25-23.
“The girls fought,” said Poly coach Leland McGrath. “They scouted us really well and they exploited some weaknesses. We knew what they were trying to do but we couldn’t execute.”
The Jackrabbits fell behind early in the first set on the road against the top seed, and struggled to fight their way back in. The second set was a different story, however. After trailing 19-17, the Jackrabbits got a 6-0 service run from Nicaylah Iamaleava, who had an ace as well. A 24-20 lead evaporated, however, as the Trailblazers ended up fighting off seven set points for Poly and claiming the frame 31-29.
Poly had the third set tied at 20-20 before Sierra Canyon pulled away late again.
Poly sophomore Adonia Faumuina had 10 kills, 16 assists, four digs, and three blocks. Senior middle blocker Kaia Brown had 10 kills and four blocks. Sophomore hitter Kamy Anaya had eight kills. Sophomore middle blocker Rylie McGinest had six kills and seven blocks. Iamaleava had 12 digs, and senior Grace Abdoo had eight digs. Senior Pearl Tuliau had 16 assists.
Poly ends the season as the Moore League champions with a record of 27-9. The Jackrabbits graduate several starters but also have a strong core of talent returning with Faumuina, McGinest, Iamaleava, Anaya, and Meredith Houston coming back.
