Sights set high: Cal notches win at Utah Valley
Blue and gold can be seen far and wide as Cal volleyball ramps up its season.The Bears are in full swing. With two tournaments already conquered, the team has proven to be more than just a force to be reckoned with, but a serious threat. Coming out of this last tournament at Utah Valley, Cal took home one loss and one win, totalling up to a 3-2 record for the 2022 season so far.
Junior Lydia Grote is exceeding all expectations, with stars in her eyes she fights for the power and leads the team in kills with 91 in this season alone. Utah Valley can testify; regardless of a final 1-3 score and a heartfelt loss being handed to Cal, this win was no easy task for the Wolverines.
The Bears had a sturdy start to the game, earning the first set 25-21. Unfortunately for fans, Cal could not keep up with the talented Wolverines, as they took the second set 15-25. Despite persistent blue and gold retaliation, Utah Valley did not crumble, ending the third set at 18-25.
In spite of the odds not being in Cal’s favor going into the fourth set, the Bears maintained a positive mindset and were able to take the Wolverines all the way to 24-26, ending the match at 1-3. The Bears did not end up victorious against their opponents, but they managed to stay resilient throughout, giving them the confidence they needed for the next match. Cal came back stronger and more prepared to hand Northern Arizona a lofty loss.
Fierce alternating attacks made for an intense match starting early in the first set against Northern Arizona. Despite continuous attempts from its opponents to advance in points, Cal progressed on a 9-0 scoring run concluding the first set at 25-21. This included four straight kills from Grote, and three from Mikayla Hayden.
The Bears weren’t done yet: They successfully took the second set 25-21, once again.
The Lumberjacks still had plenty of fight left in them as they put together an immense attack during the third set. Tied at 16-all, the victory was up for grabs for either team. Each of Cal’s scoring runs was countered with scoring runs from the opponent. In the end Cal pushed ahead just enough to take the set at 26-24.
Looking ahead at what is to come, fans can expect not only an entertaining season but a successful one. The blue and gold hopes to shine brighter than ever this weekend, as the Bears head into the Cal tournament as the host, giving it the home-court advantage.
Utah Tech, Cal’s first opponent of the tournament, will prove to be tough as it arrives in the Bay with three wins and one loss so far this season. Cal will have to use every ounce of sweat cleverly, as there will be no room for error.
Later that same day, Tennessee State is set to be Cal’s next victim.
Compared to the Bears’ record, the Tigers are in a dangerous position, having only been able to take one win home and being handed four losses so far this season. Things are looking more difficult for Tennessee State.
And finally, after the Bears have had enough rest in their den and grown hungry enough, they will face the Nevada Wolf Pack. With a 3-3 record so far from their opponents, the Bears can expect a tough match and will have to show great resilience plus extraordinary teamwork and communication if they plan on bringing home the win.
Players such as Grote and Hayden will need to step up once again and lead the Bears to a victorious weekend.
Jose Rivera covers volleyball. Contact him at jrivera@dailycal.org.