On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Sequoia’s Ravens volleyball team defeated the Mustangs of Lincoln High School in a 3-2 showdown for the CIF Division III Regional Finals. With the victory, Sequoia advances to Santiago Canyon College in Orange, California, where they will face the Academy of Our Lady Peace for the Division III state title. 

Despite taking the first set with 25-20, the Ravens fell behind by seven points in the second set and two in the third. But by the fourth set, they found their rhythm again, closing with a five-point lead. With the crowd’s roars echoing through the gym and the coach’s heated exchanges with officiants, the energy shifted back to Sequoia.

“I feel like the first three sets, even the one that we won, were down on energy on the court. It felt like people didn’t want to be out there. I really think it was in that fourth set when we had the lead. It genuinely just felt like us because we were up and we were cheering everyone on,” sophomore Samantha McMurtry said.  

By the fifth set, Gym one was booming. With the final kill, Sequoia secured the match 15-10. 

“In the fifth set, it was 9-12 and we just lost a point. Usually, we would get worried and start playing scared. But this time, I feel like that’s when we decided we had to fight for this,” sophomore Bayla Jennings said.  

Each player put their heart on the court, including senior Katalina Tulpulotu with 17 spikes, 14 digs, and four aces. Senior Joslin Fiel racked up 22 digs and another four aces, while McMurtry and sophomore Keira Winters each recorded 15 spikes, with Winters adding four digs.   

“I came in knowing that I was super proud of the team already. So, regardless of what happened, I don’t think my feelings towards the outcome would have changed,” head coach Bryant Tran said. 

Heading into the state finals in Southern California, the team is energized and ready to keep improving. Tran hopes to focus on trust and refining court communication to avoid collisions and maintain flow. 

“I’m feeling good and I’m excited for the next match. I think we have to work on keeping our composure like coach says and staying calm when we lose a set,” Jennings said.   

Overall, the Ravens have had an impressive season. Despite placing fourth in their league and barely securing a CCS spot, they have fought their way to the state championship. 

“We were just so persistent and we persevered through everything,” McMurtry said.