VAN NUYS — Tuesday night’s CIF State Division V Regional Final proved that volleyball can be a game of runs.
Bell Gardens (24-18) defeated Reseda (20-4) in four sets, 25-15, 16-25, 25-17, 25-18, to lift the regional title.
Bell Gardens advances to face Immanuel of Reedley in the state championship game Friday at Santiago Canyon College in Orange.
The match saw both teams go on significant scoring runs to split the first two sets.
Bell Gardens started the night off strong, winning the opening frame 25-15. It was the first set Reseda dropped in the regional playoffs.
The early points were divided between both schools but in the middle rallies, the Lancers took over.
A significant driving engine for Bell Gardens’ opening-set win and overall performance was Karina Toro. One of the tallest players on the court, the senior middle blocker’s presence in the center court was clear on both sides of the ball.
Lancers head coach Caleb Ortiz said a minor positional adjustment fully unlocked Toro’s abilities.
“Once we started noticing their middle was tipping shots on us, we told Karina ‘Hey, move a little bit to the right’ ” because she keeps dumping the ball on the left side,” Ortiz said. “She did an amazing job stopping her after that.”
Defensively, Toro was all over the place, meeting Reseda players at the net and coming up with solo blocks. After her team was down 5-1, Toro made the equalizing kill and the lead-changing block in back-to-back plays.
Reseda’s approach to blocking was more team-oriented, sending two players at a time to block. On the other hand, Bell Gardens mostly sent Toro or teammate Adamari Carillo. Carillo, a sophomore who played multiple positions on the court, kept her team in the third set with her defensive efforts.
While Bell Gardens dominated the first frame, Reseda responded in kind in the second. The Regents, who won the L.A. City Division III title on Nov. 9, never looked back after taking an early 2-1 lead and took a 25-16 victory.
Outside hitter Layla Reyes played a crucial role in the Regents’ second-set victory. She recorded an ace in each of the first two sets and her powerful swing netted her kills throughout the match.
The third set was the similar to the first set. Tied 14-14, the Lancers tallied five quick points to take a lead they did not relinquish. Bell Gardens senior outside hitter Maggie Chairez played a pivotal role, notching an ace and being the offensive focal point throughout the set.
Bell Gardens’ victory in set four was a test of resilience. After being down 5-1 early, the visiting Lancers took a timeout and came back firing. Several lead changes and tying points later, the Lancers led 18-16.
Toro earned three of Bell Gardens’ next four points. Up five with just three points to go, the Lancers secured their regional title with a 25-18 victory.
Ortiz said keeping his players’ composure was his main key to victory.
“My job as a coach was to keep them calm because when they’re calm, they play,” Ortiz said. “I knew there was pressure on our side and their side, so I knew to keep my girls calm.”
Tuesday night’s playoff atmosphere could not be overstated. Fans of both schools brought unique traditions and chants, making the Van Nuys High School gym feel like it was either team’s home court.
Like the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, Regents fans waved blue towels after every point. In response, the Lancers’ fans had a chant leader, who rallied friends and family all night, including chanting “soccer season” whenever an opposition player committed a net violation.
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