TEMECULA – In a thrilling face-off at the CIF Division I State girls Volleyball Championship, Temecula Valley’s Golden Bears saw their season conclude with a hard-fought loss against the Santa Margarita Eagles on Thursday night, at home. It was a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats as Temecula Valley initially seized the momentum, claiming the first set 25-15. However, the Eagles rallied spectacularly, winning the next three sets 25-19, 25-23, and 25-23 to secure their victory.
The Golden Bears had a commendable playoff run, earning their spot among the elite eight teams in the Southern Section’s Division 1 playoffs. Despite a challenging 0-3 record in pool play, Temecula Valley secured the No. 2 seed in the Division I regional bracket. Their postseason campaign kicked off with a high-energy match against San Diego’s Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Although Academy started strong, taking the first set at 25-21, Temecula Valley dominated the latter stages, clinching the next three sets 25-15, 25-15, and 25-14 to advance.
Key players like Maddy Snow, Brooklyn Pierce and Stephanie Gonzalez were instrumental in leading Temecula Valley through this decisive win. Pierce recorded five aces—a career best—and 23 assists, while Gonzalez contributed two aces and an impressive 32 assists.
Their victory advanced the Golden Bears to the South bracket quarterfinals, where they met the formidable Santa Margarita. Despite a valiant effort, Temecula Valley’s quest to capture their second CIF State title in seven years fell short. The program last held the championship in 2018, marking a significant milestone in their history.
Meanwhile, Murrieta Valley, another local powerhouse, emerged as the No. 3 seed in the Division I regional bracket following their triumph in the Southern Section’s Division 2 championship. The Nighthawks, who boasted a season record of 29-7, faced Oaks Christian in their regional opener. The match was a nail-biter, stretching to five sets with Murrieta Valley narrowly missing victory with scores of 26-24, 25-11, 17-25, 16-25, and 16-14.
Both teams hail from the competitive Southwestern League, which recently announced its All-Southwestern League teams, highlighting the outstanding talent in the area. Fans can look forward to seeing these names featured in the upcoming issue of the Valley News, celebrating the individuals who have made significant contributions to their teams this season.
The end of the Golden Bears’ and Nighthawks’ playoff journeys marks a bittersweet close to an exhilarating volleyball season. While both teams prepare to regroup and aim for future championships, the Southwestern League continues to thrive as a breeding ground for top-tier talent.
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