Rain soaked the Olympic Training Center during Saturday's La Jolla High School Beach Classic.
But come rain or shine, the show went on.
It was the Vikings who overcame inclement weather to remain undefeated in pool play and the championship bracket, securing a tournament victory over Eastlake.
“I was looking forward to seeing some really good volleyball for the girls and getting some more experience,” La Jolla coach Kelly Drobek said of his players. “I was happy that we were able to stay undefeated all day and that the girls were able to compete against the elements.”
Due to rain, the semi-finals and championship match were played in one 28-point set instead of a best-of-three set format.
Some games started in Eastlake's favor.
La Jolla's Lana Ferrell and Lindsay Roman lost 13-6 to Eastlake's Alaina Toussaint and Alysandra Macas.
Drobek told her pair, “Let's go for a run,” and they listened. Ferrell and Roman did just that, tying the score at 19-19, taking a 27-21 lead and winning 28-25.
On Court 2, La Jolla's Bradley Ryan and Natalie Hu had an early 9-3 lead over Eastlake's Elizabeth Heath and Leila Leante.
However, Ryan and Fu grabbed the lead and finished strong with a 28-15 victory.
La Jolla's Kira Shepanski and Katie Murray took a strong lead on Court 3 and won 28-13.
Drobek said having to play in reverse in the final game was beneficial as it could be a benefit late on.
“I think we just keep preaching and never give up,” Drobek said. “The girls persevered until the end and certainly built up a good position.”
Eastlake defeated Point Loma and Our Lady of Peace to advance to the finals. La Costa Canyon, University City, Claremont, San Ysidro, Patrick Henry and Rancho Bernardo also competed.
“I think there’s some really good talent all over the county, so it was really good for us to get the opportunity to play with other teams,” Drobek said.
Mr. Honda is a freelance writer.
