The Tracy High varsity volleyball team defeated Lodi on Tuesday, Sept. 22 after winning three straight sets with a small point differential in each set.  

 Alyssa Rupisan opened the game with three straight serves setting the score at 3-0. 

After, points were exchanged between the teams, Gaby Hernandez had a big block to turn over the ball and granted Tracy two more serves, making the game 9-13.  

Addison Van Os lands a powerful swing to turn the ball over to Tracy down at 13-17. 

Following Van Os’ turnover, the Bulldogs catch the lead as they end rally’s, giving them the lead 20-17.  

Following the game sophomore, Zoe Artadi, reflected on the team’s confidence in these moments. 

“We had a lot of energy the first set and the way we kept it up I think really kept us confident,” Artadi recalled. 

Artadi scored two points for Tracy to win the first set 25-21. 

The beginning of the second set sees Lodi score a quick point but overthrown by Tracys blocking. 

Tracy scores three points before a side-out resulting in a score of 3-1.  

The score remained close as Tracy met Lodi at 11 points to 12. 

Lodi remained in the lead for most of the second set causing a timeout called by Tracy’s Head Coach Cat Ebojo to assess the team’s performance as they were down 13-16. 

Several blocks by Van Os and Hayley Bogetti keep the score difference small as Tracy obtains the ball for a counter at 17-19, down two points. 

Tracy Highs libero Gurnaaz Joura knocks down four serves, placing Tracy ahead once again. 

As a close game ensues referees and lineswomen are brought to discussion as a controversial point may decide the winner of the second set.  

After reviewing, referees decided that Tracy would be granted the point to tie the game at 25-25. 

Leading Tracy’s serve the Bulldogs arose victorious as Hernandez blocks and strikes to earn both points. 

The third set saw a strong beginning as the bulldogs scored five straight serves establishing a solid lead. 

Hernandez’s blocking finishes a rally settling the score at 8-6. 

Bogetti and Van Os’ dual blocking took multiple points from Lodi as Tracy scored five serves and kept a steady lead at 16-12 halfway through. 

Lodi caught up after gaining a one-point lead, but it quickly passed following Artadi’s multiple kills, 21-17. 

Tracy High’s momentum pushes them to win over the third and final set 25-21. Hernandez recalls the momentum being felt throughout the game.  

“We really kept the momentum up and stayed high alert the whole game,” Hernandez stated. “We have a good team and good calls, so we definitely earned this win.”