Results tagged “CIF SS Division IV Boys Volleyball Playoffs” from Yucaipa Now

The Thunderbirds defeated the Ganesha Giants, 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 26-24 in the CIF SS Div. IV boys volleyball playoffs, Friday, at Yucaipa High School.
By Bob Otto / Staff Photographer

YUCAIPA - The Yucaipa boys' volleyball teams' jerseys bear the name Thunderbirds, of course, but after Friday night's opening round in the playoffs, it might be appropriate to add, "Comeback Kids."

Yucaipa dashed the hopes of victory of the visiting Ganesha Giants (5-5 Miramonte League, 12-6-1 overall) by staging a dramatic comeback in the first game of a four-game set to defeat the Giants, 26-24, 25-19, 24-26, 26-24, in first-round play of the CIF Southern Section Division IV Playoffs.

Yucaipa (15-3, 12-2 Citrus Belt League champion and #1 seed) fell behind from the get-go with Ganesha jumping out to 6-2, 16-9, and 23-18 leads. But in the final stage of the game the Thunderbirds staged a ferocious comeback fueled by senior outside hitters Garrett Barham (20 kills), Ellery Buck (13 kills), and Casey Garrison (9 kills), along with some game-saving defense.

Barham and Garrison teamed-up to block a Giant's kill attempt and pull the Thunderbirds within, 22-23, then Barham tied the game at 24-24 will a kill, and his block produced the game-winner to pull out an improbable victory.

"Garrett played well tonight, he was really on," said Yucaipa Head Coach, Gail Diliberto. Barham led the way with his 20 kills, 8 ace serves, and 17 digs.