The Braves celebrate their Southern California Regional championship
Even before this season started the stars seemed to be aligned for the Alta Loma High School volleyball team.
The Braves (36-2) boasted a senior-laden squad with the players having spent their entire high school careers together. They’re as tight a team as you’ll find anywhere.
A move from the Baseline to the poor Mt. Baldy League was good in a one way, not so in another. They were removed from the established powers like Los Osos and Rancho Cucamonga and newcomer Chino Hills. So winning a league title seemed like a foregone conclusion.
But being in a bad league hurts in other ways. Just how do you keep a team sharp, focused ad engaged when there is little competition?
The change in leagues also meant a change in classification from Division 1A to Division 4AA. Yes there is a significant difference. But the Braves have turned in some huge wins over teams in higher classifications. So the Braves can play with the best.
Coach Tishanna Pope had her team play a competitive non-league schedule which was a big help. But she also had to keep their attention in practice and these are high school girls we’re talking about here.
They’ve checked those goals off the list.
Mt. Baldy League title – done
One, two, three, four playoff wins and a CIF Southern Section title – done.
On the the state playoffs . . . Southern California Regional – done.
Now they face Sonora (36-5), the Northern California Regional winner at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Santiago Canyon College.
They have won 25 matches in a row and lost just two sets in the last 23. Here’s to hoping they can top of their dream season with one more victory!
