TEMECULA — The Temecula Valley Golden Bears volleyball team gave its fans a night to remember Wednesday, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat Corona Centennial, 3-2, in the 2025-26 season opener at home.
Centennial, coming off a 24-8 season while sweeping Big VIII League play at 10-0 and ranking No. 53 in California, jumped to an early lead by taking the first two sets. The Huskies appeared poised to continue their defensive dominance and hold off the defending Southwestern League champions.
Temecula Valley, though, proved its determination with a rally that began in the third set. The Bears regrouped and chipped away at the Huskies’ momentum, led by senior outside hitter Savannah Sheridan, who delivered key points each time her team needed a boost. Freshman Caitlyn Yulfo brought an immediate spark in her varsity debut, delivering crucial plays at the net and signaling her arrival as an impact player.
After gaining control in the third and fourth sets, Temecula Valley forced a fifth and deciding set. Both squads traded points in front of a capacity crowd, but the Golden Bears outlasted Centennial, winning the final set 18-16.
“Our team found its energy after falling behind early,” head coach Neemias Costa told our staff. “They kept battling and never lost their focus. I’m extremely proud of how everyone stepped up and trusted each other in the biggest moments. This win speaks to the unity and drive we have as a group.”
Last season, the Golden Bears claimed the Southwestern League championship with a 9-1 record, finishing 17-7 overall. They earned the No. 2 seed in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs and advanced to the second round, defeating Academy of Our Lady of Peace before falling to Santa Margarita. That postseason experience helped Temecula Valley maintain composure in high-pressure moments Wednesday night.
Sheridan led a veteran group that featured returning contributors like senior opposite Lexi Euckert, senior middle blocker Ginger Boyle, and junior setter Brooklyn Pierce. Yulfo, a 5-foot-11 freshman with the ability to play outside hitter, opposite, and middle blocker, made her presence felt early in the season, providing optimism for both the current campaign and the future of the Golden Bears program.
Centennial’s strong credentials made Temecula Valley’s comeback even more impressive. The Huskies thrived in regular-season and tournament play in 2024-25, including tournament wins in Hawaii and victories over top teams such as La Salle and Chaparral before a playoff exit against South in five sets.
The Golden Bears’ staff is focused on the stretch ahead, with a home match against Fallbrook up next Tuesday at 6 p.m., followed by four more preseason games leading up to the Sept. 11 Southwestern League opener at home against Chaparral at 6:30 p.m.
Local fans in attendance last Wednesday left the gym with high hopes for another memorable run as the Bears gear up for a challenging preseason slate and a league race that promises plenty of excitement.
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