La Salle has gotten the upper hand against Flintridge-Sacred Heart Academy for many years — most recently in November 2013, where La Salle won their CIF-SS semifinal match, 3-1.
But on Sept. 9, there was a different result. Led by senior Sofia Coffey and sophomore Kayla Lund, the Tologs swept the reigning Division 1A champions, 25-22, 25-19, 25-18.
The atmosphere was that of a playoff game, with a packed gym, and both student sections, like the teams, brought their A game, with a lot of noise from the first serve to the last kill.
The game itself was as promised: exciting and high scoring. The Tologs’ main struggles came in the first set, when they quickly fell behind 7-3. After a time out, they recovered, going on a 10-1 run that put them in the lead.
The second set went back and forth, with seven lead changes. But Megan Bacall took over, with three consecutive kills to close out the set, 25-19.
The second set likewise saw many lead changes, but the Lancers never held a lead in the third set.
Flintridge-Sacred Heart’s outside hitter Kayla Lund contributed mightily to the win, with 13 kills and four aces. Freshman outside hitter Ellis DeJardin also proved instrumental, with all five kills coming in the third game, including the last two points of the game.
La Salle was missing senior star Haley DeSales, who is likely out for the season with a torn ACL. The Lancers were 5-4 for the season as play began this week.
Flintridge-Sacred Heart followed up their La Salle win with a sweep of West Ranch on Sept. 11. The Tologs this weekend travel to Las Vegas for the Durango Fall Classic Tournament, where they will be joined by La Salle, Marymount, Mater Dei, St. Lucy’s Priory and Santa Margarita in the 64-team field that includes teams from around the U.S.
CIF-SS Rankings
This week’s CIF-SS rankings (as of Sept. 16) included the following:
Division 1AA: Santa Margarita (3), Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks (7), Flintridge Sacred Heart (honorable mention).
Division 2A: Mayfield (1).
Division 2A: Louisville (4), Notre Dame Academy (7), Immaculate Heart (HM).
Division 4AA: La Reina (2), St. Paul (3), St. Bonaventure (4), St. Anthony (10).
Division 4A: Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto (HM).
