The girls volleyball team (19-16 overall, 9-5 Peninsula Athletic League) entered their first Central Coast Section playoff game on Nov. 1 against Westmont (11-15 overall, 8-6 Blossom Valley Athletic League). Coming off the back-to-back losses in the PAL, the Dons were able to beat the Warriors in four sets.
In each set that they won, the Dons prevented Westmont from scoring more than 15 points. Junior defensive player Abby Legaspi attests their success to their high energy, including their goals for the postseason.
“We have a good lineup this year and for CCS we really want to try and go all the way to state championships,” she said. “Our energy and intensity has been great, and we really want to keep that up.”
In the third set, Westmont appeared to be making a comeback, winning the set with a score of 25-23 due to more successful hits and serves than in previous sets, along with an increase in energy.
“We were definitely a little slow there in the beginning,” said freshman outside hitter Amanda Patea. “We just need to keep our energy up.”
Patea is one of two freshmen on the varsity team, along with three sophomores. The girls varsity team has a younger roster than what is usually seen in volleyball at the varsity level, but head coach Kelsey Stiles is pleased with the program and how it has turned out.
“Our leadership mostly comes through our seniors, but you’ll look at our front row and we have two freshmen and a sophomore,” she said. “So we’re young, and it’s good for Aragon moving forward and building up the team.”
After finishing strong by winning the last set 25-13, the Dons will continue their season and advance to the the CCS quarterfinals, where they will take on Lynbrook (19-12 overall, 8-4 Santa Clara Valley Athletic League) on Nov. 4.
