The volleyball teams from Mater Academy and Mater Lakes Academy entered the post season poised to make a run at the state championship.
Unfortunately, one team was eliminated from the playoffs and the other group’s quest for the title is still alive.
After winning the district championship, Mater Academy girls’ volleyball team defeated Nova in the regional quarterfinal, setting up another showdown with district runner-up Mourning in the regional semifinal on October 30.
Following back-to-back district championships, Mater Lakes Academy girls’ varsity volleyball team lost to Calvary Christian Academy in the regional quarterfinals.
The Lady Bears finished their division undefeated for the second consecutive seasons and recorded a 10-8 record during the regular season.
The team finished with 12 shut out sets during the regular season.
From the beginning of the season, the Lady Bears had the perseverance to defend their 2017 district championship title. Considering that the team is mainly comprised of freshmen and sophomores, the girls knew what they wanted and were determined to make their season goal come true. “Our willingness to persevere and overcome challenges, along with our rigorous training and dedicated coaches, is what led us to this triumph. There is no other way to describe this feeling but as euphoric,” said senior player Carolina Calderon-Rueda. Head coach Melissa Lopez said her team is like a family and accomplished its goal as a unit. “It has been a pleasure to watch them all develop together,” she said.