In another battle to the finish, Claire Little led the way for the Lady Broncos, who almost didn’t survive a surprise Lady Golden Bear attack Monday, September, 19. On their home court, Temecula Valley came out strong against the Southwestern League’s top volleyball team, stunning the Lady Broncos with a 25-22 first set victory.

Of course, it’s a race to three wins in high school volleyball, but winning that first set sure sets the tone. The second set would go the way of Vista Murrieta, 25-16, but Temecula Valley held their ground and took set three 25-22. Vista Murrieta returned the favor with a 25-22 win of their own in the fourth set, bringing about a crucial fifth set, where the first team to score 15 points would prevail.

With 38 kills on the night, Little, who had a lot of blocking help from Madison Pulsihper, would do what they do best and rally their teammates for the win, taking the final set, 15-12. The victory helps Vista Murrieta (6-6, 3-0) stay in first place in the very tough Southwestern League, as Temecula Valley fell back a few spots to 1-2 in league, and 6-3 overall. Chaparral, who had been undefeated until meeting up with Vista Murrieta last week, took down Murrieta Mesa last night in three straight sets (25-16, 25-16, and 25-14). Great Oak also played yesterday and traveled to face Murrieta Valley, but a score had not yet been reported at the time of this posting.

The Lady Pumas remain in second place with the win as the Lady Rams fall to the bottom of the standings with an 0-3 start to league play. Chaparral will be home to take on Temecula Valley Wednesday, Sept. 21, Murrieta Mesa will travel to Murrieta Valley, and Vista Murrieta will be home to face Great Oak. Match times are set for 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.

JP Raineri
JP Raineri

JP is an award-winning multimedia journalist, and head of the Sports Department for the Valley News. Over his time in the Temecula Valley, JP, a former Southwestern League head baseball coach, was also an on-air radio personality at Q103.3, KATY 101.3, Hot 103.9, and was a television host for the Outdoor Channel. When not covering local, or national sports, JP also serves as an Associate Baseball Scout with NSR.