TEMECULA — In a high-stakes showdown that electrified the Southwestern League, the Temecula Valley Golden Bears secured a share of the league title by defeating the Murrieta Valley Nighthawks 3-1 on Wednesday, October 16. The match was critical for both teams, each carrying a 9-1 league record into the game and vying for the coveted co-championship title.
The evening began with host Temecula Valley taking control early, seizing the first two sets with close scores of 25-22 and 25-23. The Golden Bears showcased their depth and skill, as Stephanie Gonzalez played a pivotal role with two aces, a kill, and an impressive 33 assists. Her consistent performance has been a significant factor in Temecula Valley’s success, maintaining a streak of 24 or more assists in her last four games dating back to the previous season.
As the match progressed, Murrieta Valley fought back in the third set, claiming it 25-20 and demonstrating why they had been on a ten-game winning streak. But the Golden Bears were undeterred. They entered the fourth set needing just one more victory to clinch the co-championship alongside the Nighthawks.
In the fourth set, Temecula Valley initially trailed 16-9, but their determination and teamwork shone through as they rallied to close the set at 25-21, sealing the match and their place atop the league standings. Brooklyn Pierce also contributed significantly to the team’s performance, adding 17 assists.
This win was particularly sweet for the Golden Bears, as it avenged their earlier loss to the Nighthawks on September 30, when Murrieta Valley had narrowly edged them out 3-2. It was fitting that the player of the match, Maddy Snow (12 kills, 3 blocks), led by example, embodying the spirit and drive that propelled Temecula Valley to their achievement. Snow also collected her one thousandth career kill for the Golden Bears earlier in the week against Great Oak.
With this victory, Temecula Valley improved their overall record to 16-3 and extended their home winning streak to 16 games, a streak that dates back to last season. Meanwhile, the loss for Murrieta Valley snapped their remarkable ten-game winning streak, leaving them with an overall record of 24-7.
The final standings for the regular season bore witness to the competitive nature of the league, with both Temecula Valley and Murrieta Valley finishing with identical 9-1 league records. The Chaparral team followed with a 5-5 record, while Vista Murrieta, Murrieta Mesa, and Great Oak rounded out the standings.
This season has already been one for the books, with thrilling matches and standout performances. Temecula Valley’s victory is not only a testament to their hard work and dedication but also a harbinger of the intense competition that lies ahead in the playoffs. Whether you’re a fan of the Golden Bears, the Nighthawks, or just a volleyball enthusiast, the excitement is far from over.
All eyes now turn to the CIF Southern Section, which is set to release the postseason playoff brackets on October 19 at 10:00 a.m.
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