IRVINE- Tru Blu shirts, hot dogs, cheers, and stomps were all part of the Blu Cru Beckman Girls' Varsity Volleyball game on Tuesday, September 30, at the Beckman High Olympic Gym. The Lady Patriots played against visiting Aliso Niguel but were unable to defeat the Wolverines. In a best out of five match, the Lady Patriots won two games, while Aliso Niguel defeated them in three, taking home a victory.



The first game began with obvious tension on both sides of the court. The game began with a point obtained by sophomore Lydia Bai, #14, outside hitter. The game continued with junior Nina Stenlund’s, #13, middle blocker, and Bai’s spikes. Sophomore Madison Cody, #4, libero, was also a stand-out, with many digs and serves. The Lady Patriots came out of the first round victorious, with the final score ending up at Beckman 25, Aliso Niguel 20.

The second game commenced, and the Wolverines took the lead. After a time out, Beckman stepped up their game, but it wasn't enough to defeat Aliso. Throughout the duration of the game, both teams had an equal opportunity to triumph, yet Beckman stood behind. The game concluded: Beckman 22, Aliso Niguel 25.



The intensity escalated tremendously as the crowd cheered on both teams during the third game. Senior Mila Merchan, #8, setter, stated, “The crowd was amazing tonight. They pumped the team up.” The teams kept their guards up, but Beckman stood ahead. Stenlund, Bai, and junior Mykal Vailu, #16, outside hitter, pushed the Lady Patriots towards triumph. The score ended at Beckman 27, Aliso Niguel 25.



As the fourth game began, anxiety reached a high; if Beckman won this game, victory was theirs, but if Aliso Niguel defeated them, a fifth game would follow. Though the score remained close the entire game, the Wolverines ultimately triumphed over Beckman. The Wolverines scored two points near the end, taking a win. The game concluded: Beckman 25, Aliso Niguel 27.

Both Beckman and Aliso were anxious to win by the start of the final match. "The girls pushed hard through five very tough games and kept their head up and never gave up,” said Vailu. In the end, however, Beckman was unable to defeat Aliso Niguel. Stenlund reflected the next day, saying, “Last night was an amazing match, everyone did great.” She continued, “I’m proud of the team that we are becoming.” The game was brief and ended with a score of Beckman 13, Aliso Niguel 15.



Throughout the duration of the game, Bai obtained 40 kills, making 42 points for Beckman. Stenlund followed, obtaining 16 kills, 8 blocks, and 25 points, and sophomore Laurie Goodman, #3, setter, had 59 assists.