CYPRESS — After falling behind two games to one, and after losing an agonizing third game Saturday morning, the thought of a three-peat for Hemet’s girls volleyball team seemed unattainable.
Even the chance of a fifth game appeared slim.
But the Bulldogs have spent the last three seasons pulling off the remarkable.
Sparked by a talented blend of veteran and younger players, Hemet captured its third straight section championship with a 25-20, 15-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-10 victory over Saddleback Valley Christian in the Division IV-AA championship at Cypress College.
“We weren’t walking out of this gym without a three-peat,” said senior outside hitter Briana Williams, who finished with 12 kills. “We came out with so much energy in the final game.”
Said Hemet first-year coach Janie Washburn, who coached the junior varsity team the previous two seasons: “There’s so much pressure and so much hype going after a three-peat. I’m so happy for the girls, and I’m so proud of them for being able to pull it out.”
Hemet cut a 23-17 deficit to 24-23 in the third game after a kill by junior outside hitter Baylee Christian. But Saddleback’s Chelsea Duhs tallied a game-deciding kill, putting Hemet in a 2-1 hole.
The fourth game wasn’t easy, either. The Bulldogs blew a seven-point lead, and later a six-point lead. An ace by Heidi Dyer brought the Warriors to within 24-22. But Williams came through with the deciding kill.
“Our passing really came together in the last two games, and it was dead on,” said Christian, who led the Bulldogs with 15 kills.
Saddleback rallied from 12-6 with three consecutive points in game five. But Hemet regained control after junior setter Tristan Self centered a perfect pass for senior middle blocker Shelbi Skinner’s kill and 13-9 lead. Skinner closed out the match with a short dump that fell to the floor, igniting a joyous frenzy.
“These championships never get old,” said Self, who controlled the floor with 50 assists, five kills and 11 digs. “They just get better every year.”
Huizenga said her first championship was made possible by her veteran teammates.
“The older girls were very welcoming, and we were able to click really fast,” said the 5-11 Huizenga, who chipped in with 14 kills. “Having older girls that really knew how to play the game really helped.”
Hemet took control of a back-and-forth first game by running off six consecutive points. Two kills and a block by Christian pushed the Bulldogs’ lead to 21-14.
Hemet secured the game on kills by Williams and Huizenga.
Saddleback (28-5) scored the first 10 points, including three kills by Dyer, to cruise to an easy win in game two. A kill by Williams brought the Bulldogs to within 19-12. But the Warriors ran off the next five points.