LOS ALAMITOS – Murrieta Valley’s girls volleyball team continues to soar, fueled by a challenging early-season schedule and a trip to Hawaii that set the stage for their current success. On Saturday afternoon, the second-seeded Nighthawks achieved a significant milestone by defeating Etiwanda in their Division 2 semifinal match, earning their place in the CIF Southern Section final for only the second time in the program’s history.
The Nighthawks were eager to score with a 25-23, 25-12, 25-22 victory over Etiwanda at Etiwanda High School. This victory propels Murrieta Valley (28-7) into the finals, where they will face Palos Verdes on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Cerritos College. Palos Verdes previously bested the Nighthawks in an August tournament, adding an intriguing layer to the upcoming showdown.
Coach Ann Romero-Parks, a Murrieta Valley alumna and the architect behind their only other finals appearance in 2019, expressed profound emotions following the match. “It’s exciting. I don’t take it for granted by any means,” Romero-Parks told the media. “This is a special group.”
The match against Etiwanda was not without its tense moments. Murrieta Valley played consistently, but Etiwanda had opportunities in both the first and third sets. In the opening set, Etiwanda held an 18-16 lead, but Murrieta Valley, led by Cadence Axene’s two crucial kills, turned the tide by scoring seven of the next eight points.
The second set saw Murrieta Valley take control early, and Etiwanda never posed a threat, with the Nighthawks maintaining at least a four-point lead throughout. The third set was more contentious, with Lauren Furnald serving four consecutive aces to give Etiwanda a 16-14 lead. However, Murrieta Valley regained momentum with Melanie Hewlett’s critical serves and Miley Thunstrom’s match-winning ace.
Thunstrom was instrumental, leading the team with 18 kills, while Ryleigh Short contributed 11. Libero Sophia Castro’s 12 digs were pivotal, yet it was Hewlett’s 26 assists as the team’s setter that garnered special recognition. Etiwanda (30-3) will continue their season in the CIF State playoffs starting November 12. Despite the loss, Etiwanda’s standout performers included Nina Hemsley with 12 kills, Brooke Hansen with 25 assists and 10 digs, and Furnald with five aces.
Murrieta Valley’s focus now shifts to their upcoming clash with Palos Verdes, where they hope to overcome past challenges and secure a championship title.
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