Girls volleyball went head to head on Nov. 15 in an away game against Cathedral Catholic High School for the Regional Finals of CIF State, losing 3-1 after a long fight.
Last week, the Mustangs made it to the CIF Southern Section finals, and lost to Sierra Canyon. However, the Mustangs came back and beat them in the regional semi-finals of state, advancing to the regional finals. They were able to steal one set from the Dons, but ultimately could not come
out on top.
In the first set, the Mustangs and the Dons were neck and neck for the lead. According to girls volleyball coach Cameron Green, the Mustangs stayed resilient and put up a strong fight in the first set. Ultimately, the Dons took the first set, 25-20.
“It was a difficult task given the amount of athletes they had in every position,”Green said. “They were tough to beat in the first set.”
According to Green, the Mustangs picked up right where they left off, not let-ting the first set affect their game. Costa fought until they took the lead, 16-9, rat-
tling the Dons. The Mustangs held this lead to the end of the set, winning 25-15.
“We played incredible in the second set and won,” Green said. “From then on, it was a battle until the end.”
The Mustangs had a rough start to the third set, with the Dons taking a six-point lead. This lead was held by the Dons all the way until the last point, ending the set
with a final score of 25-14.
“When Cathedral got on runs, we stopped talking,” junior outside hitter Chloe Hynes said. “Better communication would have helped us stay together.”
According to Hynes, the fourth set was a grueling fight. The Mustangs never trailed too far behind the Dons. However,they could never quite catch up to their opponents. Cathedral would go on to win the set with a score of 25-17. “Cathedral has a lot of amazing athletes
in a lot of positions, making them a hard team to beat,” Green said. “However, our overall game was really good, and I feel so much pride.”
According to junior libero Trixie McMillin, despite their loss, the Mustangs remain proud of their 25-6 record from the entirety of the season. The team went into State ranked number six in the nation. Costa showcased their skills and dedication throughout the season, continuing the tradition of excellence for Costa volleyball.
“We played the best we could and gave them all we had,” McMillin said. “They were just a really good team.”
According to Green, they aren’t going tostart planning for next season for a good while. Green wants to relish in this season’s highs and lows, and congratulate the amazing team they had this year. Many alumni from previous years have told Green that this year’s team has brought the program back to one of the top teams in the country. This is something he believes should be celebrated.
“I’ve loved watching this team persevere through the toughest moments,” Green said. “I’m so proud of who these girls areas individuals and who they will become.”
With the season adjourned, the Mustangs say goodbye to their 2022 season. According to Hynes, the girls are all best friends and are sad that it has come to a bittersweet close. However, they know that they will remain friends and are excited for future adventures together, according to Hynes.
“We’re all best friends and enjoy being around each other,” Hynes said. “We’regoing to miss competing together.”
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