ORANGE — It's saying a lot if your coach known for being tough claims the state championship match might be the best of the season.
That was the proclamation from
Cypress coach Alex Griffiths after the Centurions (25-10) swept
Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.) 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 on Saturday at Santiago Canyon College to claim the CIF Division II title.
"We came out on fire. I think this was the best performance yet," she said. "I
think we always knew what we could produce and it was really just a
matter of time."
The Centurions' largest lead of the day was six points in any one set — a fairly even match as kills, digs and assists were basically square between the two teams — but Cypress scrambled, found ways to end rallies and limited the Clovis West (31-14) momentum any time the Golden Eagles threatened.
Isabella Faro goes up for one of her team-high 14 kills in Cypress' sweep of Clovis West on Saturday in the CIF Division II state final. It was the first banner for the Cenurions. (PHOTO: Diane Torrence)
"We always talk about controlling the chaos and our team did a great job
today," Griffiths said. "I feel like earlier in the season, that kind of nipped us ... and
now we kind of figured it out."
In the first set, Schoffstall — a 5-foot, 6-inch setter — stemmed a 5-0 Clovis West run with a left-handed sneak attack kill.
"I just saw the moment and took it," she said.
The senior had her hands all over the first-set victory with 10 assists in addition to the stealthy kill and combo block that staunched a Clovis West rally.
"She goes for every ball, she will run through walls for this team," Griffiths said. "Everyone underestimates her because of her size. We make it a very big
points here. It doesn't matter when size you are, as long as you play
big."
The second set featured two furious rallies with back-and-forth action, each won by the Centurions. Tied at 17, Cypress took the lead on a rally that ended with a dump over the net so close to the sideline that Clovis West chose to watch to see it if fell out of bounds.
Then, on set point Cypress was scrambling as libero Gallegos got to a ball near the back line just trying to return it. The ball eked over the net as a Clovis West front line player tried for the overpass kill, but missed into the net and the Centurions took a 2-0 lead.
"I'm so proud that we got here," Clovis West coach Rhonda DeRuiter said. "We have a very unique blend of underclassmen and seniors. I've never had two freshman on varsity in 21 years at West and to start both of them and a sophomore is incredibly unique.
"Getting here is an accomplishment. They're fighters."
Freshman
Brooklyn Lopez led the way for the Golden Eagles with 15 kills while senior
Layla Soares added 10 kills.
Ana Dixon posted 28 assists and
Courtlin Pulliam led the way with 12 digs.
Cypress players and coaches enjoy the school's first state title after beating Clovis West in the Division II final.(PHOTO: Diane Torrence)
Libero Zuriel Gallegos 11 digs for Cypress in their Division II state final victory. (PHOTO: Diane Torrence)
