Dons Volleyball conquer Marquez

From the very first point scored by Aixa Aviles of Marquez High, the #1 seeded Verdugo Hills Dons girl’s volleyball team knew that the #9 seed Gladiators weren’t going to leave the venerable old ‘Barn’ without a fight in their second round match of the CIF - Los Angeles City Section Division I playoffs on Thursday. “We knew that Marquez was tough and they wouldn't quit... we were able to wear them down.” stated Dons coach Will Reinhart.

Though Marquez surrendered 15 points on long serves and hitting errors to guide the Dons (21-5) to a 10-4 lead in the first two sets, they continued to battle and matched Verdugo almost point for point the rest of the way. In the end the Dons, showed their might and prevailed to a 25-17, 25-15 and 25-20 victory behind the cousin duo of Yahaira Vazquez and Ana Vasquez, who combined for 9 kills, 8 aces, 8 assists and 20 digs; while senior Nayelly Muro had 11 digs.

Next up for Verdugo Hills, is a rematch of the 2018 Division I quarter-finals - that saw the then No. 8 ranked Dons travel to No. 1 San Pedro Pirates. The Dons lost to the eventual champions in 3 sets, but this time the Pirates will be at the ‘Barn’ on Tuesday, November 2 for the DI semifinal matchup scheduled for 4:00pm in what should be an exciting return bout. “I wouldn’t mind getting an answer to what I felt was a winnable game last time,” added Reinhart, “I know they’re good, hopefully we’ll be able to take them out.”