yball team plays Newport Harbor in a match tonight that will all but clinch a Sunset League championship for Griffins. One win separates the Griffins (9-0) and the Sailors (8-1). A win by the Sailors puts a shared title as the most likely outcome.
The Griffins have been steady most of the season, compiling a 22-5 overall record. After back-to-back losses early in the season, the team re-assessed what they were doing and focused in on what they needed to do, according to Head Coach Dave Huber.
They proceeded to reel off 14 consecutive wins, including a 3-0 start in Sunset League play. Despite some key losses to graduation, the Griffins returned a solid core of veteran players and have enough talent to make serious noise in the playoffs.
“Really, for us, it has been trying to find some consistent energy and intensity, and I think that’s what we’ve started the show, and that’s what I’m excited about,” Huber said after a 3-0 sweep of Fountain Valley on Thursday.
Two key leaders have been senior Libero Kaitlyn Herweg, a four-year starter and senior outside hitter Charlotte Hall, a three-year varsity player.
The Griffins added a 3-0 set sweep of Edison on Monday to set up the showdown with Newport Harbor tonight. The Griffins handed the Sailors their only league loss of the season on Sept. 8 with a 25-20, 25-22, 18-25, 25-18 victory at the Griffin Center. Tonight’s match will be at Newport Harbor with a 5:45 p.m. start time.
The Griffins will host Marina on Tuesday, at 5:45 p.m. for their final home match of the regular season. They close out the regular season on Oct. 13 at Corona del Mar.