The Trojans headed out to San Diego over fall break to compete in the SoCal Invitational. While in California they were looking for some great competition and some time to bond as a team. They finished with a record of 5-2 in the Diamond Bracket. With this record they were able to secure the Diamond Bracket championship title. In the Diamond Bracket they faced Coronado, Foothill, Praire, Centennial, Eastlake, Palo Verde, and Lake Stevens.
Their first game was against the Coronado Islanders on 10/10 the Trojans came up short with a 2-0 loss. They played a close first set putting up a fight against the Islanders which ended 25-23. The next set the Trojans were ready to try to have a comeback. Set 2 was another close match that ended 25-17. Unfortunately the Trojans couldn't pull off a win, but they had many more games to come. Though the outcome wasn't what the Trojans hoped for they still had some amazing performances from Gregg ('26) with 319 digs and Venkatesh ('27) with 626 assists.
Next up the Trojans were set to face the Foothill Falcons. The Trojans played amazing this match having their comeback moment. They came out strong and won set 1 25-18. They had reset after the previous match and were ready to get on a a win streak. The next set the Trojans beat the Falcons 25-13. Trojans took the match 2-0. Some key stats included Simon ('27) having 249 kills, Wahlin ('27) with 95 blocks and Venkatesh ('27) having 28 serving aces.
It was the last game for 10/10 and the Trojans took on the Prairie Falcons. Even though the they were coming off playing two games and were tired they brought the energy from their last win to this final match of the day. The Trojans on a roll win set 1 25-16 and take set 2 25-19. This energy the Trojans brought today led them to a 2-0 win.
The next day, theTrojans come back rested and ready to take on some new competition. The first game was the Centennial Golden Hawks, an evenly matched team. Both teams were wanting a win and it was apparent with how well these teams aligned with how close these sets were. Set 1 ended 25-22 and set 2 another close one 25-23. This was a tough match for the Trojans, but they weren't going to let this loss ruin the day. When asked "How do you shift your mindset after coming off a loss knowing there are still more games left", Wolf ('27) said "Instead of dwelling in the past match, I focus on the match to come and the things I can control. I try my best to change the negative outcome of a match into positive energy for games to come."
Next game of the day was against the Eastlake Titans. The Trojans were ready to flip the switch and turn up the intensity. They weren't going to back down after their previous loss and showed they were ready to battle. Set 1 was 25-21 and set 2 was 25-16 both victories for the Trojans. This new energy the Trojans brought to the table led to the Trojans beating the Titans 2-0. The Titans weren't able to keep up with this new found energy and the amazing stats the Trojans had. Wolf ('27) has 296 receptions, Simon ('27) with 249 kills, and Wahlin ('27) with 95 blocks.
As the Invitational began to wrap up the Trojans only had 2 matches left. One being the Palo Verde Panthers. The Trojans coming off 2 wins were proving to be a top contender to win the Diamond Bracket. As the Trojans take on the Panthers , the Trojans ready to leave it all on the court sweep this match 2-0.
In the final match for the Trojans, who seemed like they wouldn't ever slow down. Trojans versed the Lake Stevens Vikings. The Vikings knew this was going to be a tough match and werent going to just let the Trojans roll over them. The Trojans were going to have to fight to secure the win. Set 1 was close 25-22, but luckily was a Trojan win.Both of these teams determined to win, were giving it all they had. Set 2 25-21 with the Vikings winning. It was all tied up 1-1 and was down to this last and final set. Who would win? Set 3 another close one. Back and forth points were being won. Until the Trojans got the final point and win set 3 15-13. Trojans did it they won the last and final match 2-1!
As the Invitational wrapped up the Trojans waited to see how they placed in the Diamond Bracket. The results came back and the Trojans take the title of Diamond Bracket Champion!. All the hard work, sweat, and preparation paid off. The Trojans are more than half way into the season and have just a few games left. Lets cheer on our Trojan Volleyball as they work towards another State Championship title!
