The Southwestern League volleyball season is in full swing, and the competition is as fierce as ever. On September 16, the “Impact Center” at Murrieta Mesa High School hosted a thrilling showdown between two of the league’s top teams: the Murrieta Mesa Rams and the Temecula Valley Golden Bears. The Rams entered the match with an impressive 24-4-2 record, while the Golden Bears boasted an 11-2 mark.
Murrieta Mesa came out strong, taking the first set 25-19. However, Temecula Valley regrouped and claimed the next three sets, 25-22, 25-23, and 25-20, to secure a 3-1 victory. Savannah Sheridan led the charge for the Golden Bears with her dominant play at the net, creating opportunities for her teammates and keeping the Rams on their heels.
The Rams, led by Emerson Macias with 14 kills and Analei Bradley with 29 assists, fought valiantly but couldn’t maintain their early momentum. Airyss Celestine and Savannah White contributed two aces each from the service line, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Temecula Valley’s balanced attack.
The loss marked the end of an eight-game winning streak for Murrieta Mesa, dropping their record to 24-5-2. Meanwhile, Temecula Valley extended their winning streak to three games, improving to 12-2 overall and solidifying their position atop the league standings.
Murrieta Mesa quickly returned to action on September 18, facing Vista Murrieta in another hard-fought match. Despite a strong start, the Rams fell 3-2, with the final set ending 15-13 in favor of the Broncos. Vista Murrieta’s Baylee Jones led her team with nine kills, while Kiersten Moore added 14 assists and two aces.
Temecula Valley also played on September 18, sweeping Great Oak 3-0 in a dominant performance. The Golden Bears showcased their depth, with contributions from players like Alyssa Snider and Hyacinth Peregrino, who anchored the defense with 3.6 digs per set.
Looking ahead, the Southwestern League action continues with several key matchups. Murrieta Mesa will travel to Great Oak on September 23, followed by a clash with Chaparral on September 25. Temecula Valley, currently ranked 12th in California, will host Murrieta Valley on September 23 before visiting Vista Murrieta on September 25.
The league standings remain tight, with Temecula Valley leading at 3-0, followed by Murrieta Valley and Vista Murrieta at 2-1. Murrieta Mesa sits at 1-2, tied with Chaparral, while Great Oak is still searching for their first league win.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming rematches and the potential for playoff implications. With standout players like Savannah Sheridan and Emerson Macias leading their teams, the Southwestern League promises more excitement in the weeks to come.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
