The Acalanes Freshman girls volleyball team continued its winning streak Tuesday, defeating Alhambra in two, 25-23, 25-18.  The Lady Bulldogs may have earned the first point, but that would be the first and last time they lead the match.  Alta Paladino made clear the Dons came to win by firing in two aces with her first two serves. A nice service run by Jillian Wickline, including some screaming aces, expanded their lead.  Accurately reading their opponents, tips were effectively placed by Lily Bauer, Janine Jaber and Wickline.  Kills by Taylor Odom, Sarah Moore, and Wickline off sets by Holly Fleischmann left no doubt of the Dons intentions.  Back row defense with Ying Stroebe, Claire Amaral and Dory Grobeck, kept any return from aiding Alhambra’s score.  Alhambra would not roll over, however, and the Lady Bulldogs eventually brought the score within one point of tying the Dons.  With some exciting extended rallies, the two teams continued to trade points, eventually allowing the only tie of the day at 23-23.  A sideout to the Dons and a final serve by Jaber brought the first game to a close, 25-23.

Game two showed the breadth of talent offered by the Lady Dons.  Service was strong throughout the match with aces from Dana Piercy, Holly Gillar, Odom and Grobeck.  Points were added to the scoreboard with tips by Grobeck, Gillar and Piercy, and kills by Katie McCarty, Odom, Piercy, Moore and Gillar.  Points were denied to the opposing team with massive blocks by Gillar and Odom, and diving pancake saves by Stroebe.  Acalanes held the lead the entire game and Moore fired in the last five serves to end the set and match, 25-18.  Next, the Dons meet Miramonte at home on Tuesday, November 1.

Lucy Amaral