Coming out with a hard-earned 2-2 record, the Lincoln Lions finally had their chance to shine after a long day at the Del Mar Invitational volleyball tournament this past Saturday. Struggling against more experienced teams such as Notre Dame (San Jose), the Lions (3-2), through mental and physical perseverance and strong leadership, ultimately claimed the title of one of the two Bronze Division Championships along with fellow BVAL-Santa Teresa Division member Branham. Notre Dame won the Silver Division Championship with a 25-14, 21-25, 15-9 win over Terra Nova.
The Lions were discouraged with their opening match of the tournament, as they lost 25-13, 25-13 to Notre Dame, which proved to be the more skillful and experienced squad. Lincoln followed that up with a straight-set loss to Mills, 25-16, 25-22. The Vikings would go on to finish second in the Gold Division, losing to Menlo in a three-set championship match, 24-26, 25-19, 15-7. Following the loss to Mills, the Lincoln coaching and staff and players were visibly upset with their performance.
“They’re a great team,” said tournament host and Del Mar head coach Mike Aitken of division rivals Lincoln. “They just didn't perform today.”
However, Lincoln turned things around in its next two matches to claim the Bronze title. The Lions swept division rival Prospect, 25-16, 25-22 with L/DS Alejandra Cabrera (15 aces last season) leading the way with a number of spikes. The entire team executed its defensive strategy to near perfection.
With this newfound encouragement, the Lions were able to snatch the Bronze Division championship title in the final match against Santa Clara. Once again, with strong leadership and, in some cases, pure luck, the Lions were able to overcome Santa Clara, 25-23, 25-22.
