After losing to Diamond Bar the last time they met, Ayala decided to demonstrate that turnabout is fair play. The Bulldogs came out on top against the Brahmas by a score of 3-1 on Wednesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Bulldogs.
Ayala had a slow start but a hot finish: after dropping the first set, they turned around to win the next three. Once all was said and done, the final score wound up at 21-25, 25-17, 25-10, 25-18.
Angelina Mercado
| 10/08/25 @ Diamond Bar | 17 |
| 10/06/25 vs Walnut | 14 |
| 10/01/25 vs Glendora | 18 |
| 09/29/25 vs Bonita | 15 |
| 09/24/25 @ Claremont | 18 |
| + 6 more games |
Ayala's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Angelina Mercado led the charge by getting 17 kills, seven aces, and six digs. Mercado is on a roll when it comes to kills, as she's now had seven or more in each of the last 11 games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Miki Kiuchi, who had five digs, two blocks, and two aces.
They weren't the only good servers: Ayala was lethal from the service line and finished the match with 14 aces. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now served at least seven aces in four consecutive matches.
When it comes to explaining why Diamond Bar lost, don't look at Ava Furumoto. Despite the final result, she had 15 digs and two aces.
Ayala's record now sits at 15-12. As for Diamond Bar, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 21-8 record this season.
Ayala wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next matchup, a 3-1 defeat against Claremont on the 13th. As for Diamond Bar, they have also already played their next match, a 3-0 victory against Walnut on the 13th.
