BREAKING: Palisades has just secured the City Section Open Division girls’ volleyball championship with a commanding victory over Venice, winning 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 on Friday night at Southwest College. This win marks the Dolphins’ 31st section title, a triumphant return to glory after a four-year title drought.
The atmosphere was electric as the second-seeded Dolphins faced their longtime rivals, the top-seeded Gondoliers, in the fifth meeting of the season. Palisades showcased their strength and teamwork, clinching the championship in decisive fashion. Star player Tulah Block delivered the match-winning kill, igniting joyous celebrations among her teammates. “Going up for that kill I just knew I had to do it for the team,” said Block. “I’m so proud of the whole team, especially with everything we went through after the fire and not having a gym.”
Palisades’ victory is particularly poignant following recent challenges, including losing their gym due to fire damage, forcing them to practice at the beach. As senior libero Lucy Neilson stated, “Our slogan all year was ‘no gym, no problem.’ Today we came with a ‘leave it all out there’ mentality.”
Venice, with a record of 32-11, had previously defeated Palisades in their league meetings but could not overcome the Dolphins in this crucial match. Despite leading 13-7 in the third set, Palisades responded with a stunning 14-point rally, fueled by the serving of Phoebe Messiha.
The dominance of the West Valley League in girls’ volleyball has been notable over the past decade. Both Palisades and Venice defeated top West Valley opponents to reach the finals, with Palisades knocking out defending champion Taft. The Dolphins’ victory not only restores their reputation but also solidifies their status in the league.
In a parallel match, Legacy swept Sotomayor 25-20, 25-18, 25-12 in the Division V final, marking their first City title. “We’re here because we pushed for it,” said Legacy libero Yahaira Ramirez.
With this championship, Palisades has reignited their tradition of excellence, and the emotional significance of the win resonates deeply within the community. As Neilson added, “Winning it this season is special given the obvious circumstances and it had to be against Venice.”
This thrilling championship game not only captivates volleyball fans but also highlights the resilience and determination of the athletes involved. As the season wraps up, all eyes will be on Palisades as they prepare for future competitions, eager to build on this monumental success.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the impact of the City Section championships!
