Woodbridge holds on to capture five-set PCL volleyball victory over Uni

Woodbridge volleyball coach Alan Ho meets with his team before the start.

Woodbridge’s girls volleyball team was pushed to the limit by an improved University squad but managed to win the fifth set to capture a Pacific Coast League victory Tuesday night at Woodbridge.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo.

Uni coach Gary Currier talks with his team before a match with Woodbridge.

University's Serena Choi lofts up one of her team-leading 22 assists.
PHOTO COURTESY WEN-CHUN FAN

University sophomore Victoria Holmes records one of her 10 kills.
PHOTO COURTESY WEN-CHUN FAN

University's senior middle blocker Grace Fan kills a ball against Woodbridge.
PHOTO COURTESY WEN-CHUN FAN

Players from Woodbridge and Uni shake hands after Tuesday's match.

The Warriors (3-1 in league) looked to be in control after winning the first two sets 25-12, 25-18.

But Coach Garry Currier’s University team (3-1 in league) came back to win the next two 25-22, 26-24 to force a fifth set. Kiana Zarghalami had a kill to put the Trojans ahead 25-24.

Woodbridge won the final set 15-8, after jumping out to a 6-0 lead and taking advantage of a couple early Trojan mistakes.

“I was real happy with the way we played in the first two games,” said Woodbridge Coach Alan Ho. “We talked about how we need to play our game and control the ball and serve well and play clean.

“In the third and fourth games, I felt like they were steady over there and waited for us to make some mistakes and we kind of did that, which allowed them to stay in the game. For us when we do what we’re supposed to do, when we control the ball and serve tough and like we’re capable of doing, we can play pretty well.

“Unfortunately we dropped off there a little bit in the third and fourth game. I think we got a little bit tight and worried, rightfully so.”

Ho was pleased with the play of Beverly Braun, Jennifer Leitman, Minami Creamer and Madison Lyon.

Ho said the Warriors were also thinking of Ron Cheser, a big supporter of the program who  he said is recovering from surgery. Cheser keeps statistics for the team.

“He’s a big supporter and he has a daughter (Amber) that’s on the team,” Ho said. “He gives me input when I ask for it. We all kind of have him in our thoughts and our prayers. He’s doing well. He texted me today and wished me good luck. He’s recovering.”

University’s top players were Lily Krongold, with 14 kills, 13 digs and two aces; Victoria Holmes,with 10 kills, two digs and a block; Grace Fan with nine kills, three blocks, two digs and two assists; Zarghalami, with eight kills, 14 digs, three assists and an ace; Serena Choi, with 22 assists, seven kills, 13 digs, one block and an ace and Lauren Cho, who had eight digs and six assists.