The girls volleyball team dominated Saint Francis 3-0 yesterday, November 21, to secure a spot in CCS finals and the NorCal Playoffs. Playing with consistent energy and cohesion, the team was able to win its most important game to date in straight sets.

“We played one of our best games this season,” co-captain senior Meghan McDermott said. “Everybody fought very hard for every single point and we played very well together as a team. We all played very relaxed and that helped us throughout the entire match, even when Saint Francis fought back.”

Determined to secure a spot in CCS finals, the team gained unstoppable momentum against Saint Francis.

“The highlight of the game was the streak we had in the second game when [senior] Katie [Tritschler] was serving and [senior] Michelle [Albright] was shutting Saint Francis’s outside down at the net,” co-captain junior Carmen Annevelink said. “We had a run of about 8 points.”

The players credit their victory to strong teamwork and energy on the court, which they have been working on throughout the season.

“This game we really worked cohesively,” Carmen said. “Every player on the court contributed positively and we all had a really great night that paid off in a really amazing game….Our team had great energy throughout the match, and we really maintained energy and power. ”

However, everything hasn’t always been as easy as it seems now. This victory is indicative of the team’s improvement this season.

“That is the key to winning a volleyball game,” senior Hanna Koehler said. “When we played them earlier in the season at a tournament we didn’t have the same consistency and energy.”

The Lancers have been known to be a very tough team, especially considering their private school status, which makes the Eagles’ win all the more significant.

“To beat Saint Francis alone and to beat them in three is really something special for Los Altos as a public school,” junior Carmen Annevelink said. “We outworked them and it paid off.”

While ecstatic after their win against the Saint Francis Lancers, the Lady Eagles are remaining focused on their next match: CCS finals. Ready to take the title, the team is going into the match fully prepared, mentally and physically.

“Going into CCS finals we are not setting ourselves up for anything — win or lose,” Carmen said. “We want to go in neutral, loose, and ready to work hard. If we hustle, work together, and play consistent we have a really great shot at getting the CCS title.”

The Lady Eagles will face off against the Archbishop Mitty Monarchs on Saturday, November 23, at Independence High School. The game begins at 4:30 p.m.