GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
HEMET After watching his team drop the second set, Hemet volleyball coach Joe Schnake had to remind his players not to let the match become personal. The Bulldogs managed to bounce back from that nightmare set and knock off rival Hemet West Valley, 25-18, 21-25, 25-10, 25-17, thus creating a tie atop the Mountain Pass League standings. “There were a few moments during the second set where you could see a bit of conflict on the floor,” Schnake said. “We let emotion get the better of us, but they were able to pull it together.” This evolved into a highly anticipated match after Hemet was beaten on its home floor by West Valley on Oct. 10. Players exchanged words by way of social media the day after the match. Hemet libero Hannah Cliff said it was difficult not to get emotional Tuesday afternoon because the match clearly was one of the most meaningful in the longstanding rivalry in nearly a decade. Hemet (21-2, 7-1 in league) utilized its balanced offensive attack to capture the opening set Tuesday. Senior setter Danielle Simmons spread things around, and Mallory Marcus, Jillian Nickens and Grace Johnson each registered four kills to lead the Bulldogs' attack. “We were too predictable the first time we played West Valley,” Schnake said. “Dani Simmons did a great job tonight keeping their blockers off-balance.” Hemet grabbed a 13-10 advantage in the second set, but things turned sour rather quickly as the Bulldogs lost the next seven points, all on hitting errors. Hemet managed to regain the lead at 21-19, but West Valley closed the set with a 6-0 run to even up the match. Courtney Callicott led the Mustangs’ final charge with a pair of aces. Hemet bounced back immediately,and it was Marcus, Nickens and Johnson combining for 16 kills in the third set that helped the Bulldogs regain control. The fourth set was closely contested, but Hemet created some separation after Marcus blasted a pair of kills. “We did not play our best volleyball,” West Valley coach Shaun Pulsipher said. “Things that helped us beat them the first time, defense and passing, were a problem for us here tonight.” Marcus finished up with 23 kills, while Nickens and Johnson each added 13. Simmons registered 49 assists. Elyse Vega had 15 kills and 16 digs and Viviana Flores 16 digs to lead West Valley (16-3, 7-1). CONTACT THE WRITER: [email protected]