The Monte Vista Christian Varsity Volleyball team accomplished something remarkable on Tuesday night: they defeated Hollister High School for the first time in eight years. After a slow start, losing the first set 16-25, the Mustangs roared back to claim victory by winning the next three sets, 25-21, 25-20, and 25-20. The win not only snapped a long losing streak against their rivals but also demonstrated the team's determination, grit, and togetherness.

The Mustangs shifted their mindset heading into the second set, focusing on resetting after each point and playing with more confidence and cohesion. As Coach Brit put it, "They really started playing their game and remembered what they bring to the table." The result? They powered through the next three sets, playing a much cleaner and more aggressive style of volleyball.

"We did our job individually, and when that clicked collectively, we became our best selves," said Coach Brit.

Player Stats

Monte Vista's win was truly a team effort, with key contributions across the board:

• Elizabeth McCuistion was unstoppable on the attack, racking up a game-high 20 kills, along with 16 digs and 5 tips. 

• Hailey Gomez delivered 87 sets. She also contributed 10 digs, 2 blocks, 3 aces and 4 well-timed dumps, two of which resulted in kills.

• Ella Batt contributed 12 kills, 6 tips, and 3 aces while also holding her own on defense with 4 digs.

• Gianna Johnson and Mayla Miller-Spahn were the backbone of Monte Vista's back-row defense. Gia posted 9 digs, while Mayla added 6 digs and solid passing.

• Samantha Bertoldi recorded 4 blocks and 4 kills

"It's hard for me to say exactly what I love most about this team because there are SO many things to love about them, as a whole and individually," said the coach after the game. "But last night, I admired how much I saw their love for each other. They really gelled together, and I felt that collectively, they did what they said they were going to do."

Catch the Mustangs on October 15th (10/15) as they face off against Salinas for our annual Pink Out in the Dave Hart Gym. FR 4PM | JV 5PM | VAR 6PM.