In the first set, Valhalla started out with a 4-point lead that they gradually lost when Granite tied the game at 13-13. Both teams battled for points throughout the rest of the match, Granite started to pull away at 20-23, forcing Valhalla to call a timeout. The Norsemen were able to catch up and tie the game, 24-24. Valhalla gained the next point, and Granite called a timeout but it proved futile when Valhalla won the set, 26-24 with a block.
As the second set began, both teams struggled for a lead yet the Eagles started to pull away. The Eagles started with a 4 point lead, which progressed to a 5 point lead,. They continued to dominate with a 9 point lead, 13-22. The Norsemen finally regained possession of the ball but the deficit was too great, the Eagles won the set, 16-25.
The third set began like the second, but this time Valhalla was the one to pull away with a lead. The Norsemen had a 5 point lead causing the Eagles to call a timeout, but again it was not beneficial. The Norsemen increased their lead to 7 points. Granite Hills attempted to have a comeback at 23-19 but it was too late and Valhalla won the set, 25-21.
In the fourth and final set the Norsemen had a 7 point lead at 17-10. The Eagles were capable of making a comeback this game and reduced the lead to 3 points at 20-17.
Both teams exchanged points, tying the game up at 21-21, 23-23, and again at 24-24. This meant that the winner of the set would need to win by 2. After a missed serve by the Eagles, the Norsemen gained the other point and won the set, 26-24.
Before the match started, the girls honored their 8 seniors: Beltz, Kuhn, Douma, Tiare Spitz-Johnson, Nicole Campos, Josephine Fairchild, Julia Magaña, and Vanessa Rancaster.
Head coach Doug Babington gave a short heartfelt intro for each senior then a teammate gave a speech commemorating each player, giving each of them a gift.
The Norse’s next game will be at West Hills on November 3. This game will determine their seed in CIF.
– Reta Behram, Valhalla Saga
