Tigers stop Spartans from clinching ESL title

The Strathmore volleyball team can still win the ESL title outright; they just won’t go undefeated.

Woodlake dispatched the league leader in five games in Strathmore (6-1 ESL), Tuesday night (26-24, 23-25, 20-25, 25-20, 9-15).

Sophomore Nayeli Colunga had what Spartans coach Julie Chapman called “her best game ever” in the loss, blasting 20 kills and two blocks. The outside hitter had just one hitting error.

“To have 20 kills and one error is just phenomenal,” Chapman said. “She shows me what champions are made of. True champions rise to the occasion and play their best in big games.”

The Tigers did just that as they consistently came through in the big spots, Chapman said.

Junior Maribel Bravo had 13 kills and four errors as well.

The stakes are simple for the Spartans: win Thursday and they get the solo league title; lose to Orosi and they share the crown.

Strathmore beat Orosi in four games in round one, but Chapman said she has to get her players to block out the pressure that will come with a title-deciding match.

“Part of the problem is our girls are new to winning,” she said. “Some don’t react well to pressure. They need to focus on their job, not choke and don’t focus on what’s on the line. They know what’s on the line, it’s my job to keep them focused on their job.

“I think we’re the better team and we should beat Orosi, but they’re not gonna roll over and let us win.”

The Spartans host the second-place Cardinals at 7 p.m., Thursday.