Kari Burrough goes up for a block during the second match.

What better to do than to go watch two cross-town rivals play volleyball? The Lady Grizzlies hosted an intense five matches against the Lady Panthers on Wednesday, October 3. The gym was also filled with many fans decked out in silver, maroon, and black that helped set the tone for the game.

Starters for Wednesday's game were Slyvia Ramirez, Emmy Lou Dowling, Jennifer Landers, Sarah Blackburn, Bonny Sourinhamath, Mong Saelee. The first match got off to a great start with senior Dowling scoring the first point with the help of setter Landers giving her a set. Within the first few minutes the Lady Panthers began smashing the ball, but the Grizzlies back-row started off making good passes to their setter. Blackburn helped her team get on a roll with her incredible serving, making the score 11-6 Grizzlies. Once the Lady Panthers got the ball back in control, they began to work as a unit, tying up the game, 19-19. Coaches then decided to spice things up with putting in senior Natalie Garcia to serve for Bonny. With the Lady Grizzlies having a strong defense, they managed to win 25-21.

In the second game the Lady Grizzlies began making simple mistakes, while the Lady Panthers began to rally up. With the help of Ramirez and [Kari] Burrough's playing strong offense, the score was tied, 13-13. The Lady Panthers defense took a turn for the best and they began digging out the Lady Grizzlies hits in the middle of the game. Senior Angela Rispoli then stepped onto the court and had amazing tips leading to the score of 21-21. Despite all of the Lady Grizzlies hard efforts, a win slipped away from them- Lady Panthers won, 25-21.

The third match was a struggle for the Lady Grizzlies as the Panthers, number eight was a constant threat with her spikes. With Saelee playing strong back-row, she was able to give good passes throughout the game. The Landy Panthers stayed up by an average of four points throughout the match, and won 25-19.

With the Grizzlies original starters stepping onto the court, fans cheered for a soon to be intense match. Right away Ramirez and Dowling teamed up and put numerous blocks on the Lady Panthers. The Lady Grizzlies turned things around and kept a lead against the Lady Panthers, 16-11. Sam Orosco had her moment to shine and Landers set her up for a kill, making the score 21-12, Grizzlies. Senior Wendy Champaheuang and junior Nichole Rafana kept the team's spirits up as they cheered constantly. Foster’s defensive work helped out and the Grizzlies take another win, 25-17.

"Go deep with the ball- think ladies," Shouted Coach Lambie.

In the last game Rispoli and Ramirez led the team as the pumped everyone up, encouraging them to work together. Landers worked hard to dig out the tips the Lady Panthers put down, but they manage to hold a lead against the Lady Grizzlies, 8-5. Although the Lady Grizzlies had a strong defense, the Lady Panthers held up against them and won, 15-17.

"We played a great game today, we all worked really hard on the court," said setter Jennifer Landers. The Lady Grizzlies next game is home against another cross town rival, Monache High School on Wednesday, October, 10. Everyone is encouraged to go out and support the Lady Grizzlies!