It’s been a season of newness for the Dos Pueblos girls volleyball team.
The Chargers carried a roster of mostly new varsity players, they played in a new league and were being guided by a new head coach.
So, how would they do in their CIF-SS playoff debut after going undefeated in the Pacific View League?
How does a sweep sound?
Paced by the hammering hits of junior middle Faith Harrison, Dos Pueblos rolled past Torrance, 25-17, 25-20, 25-18, in a Division 6 first-round match on Tuesday at Sovine Gym.
The Chargers (15-11) will now host Temescal Canyon in the second round on Thursday. Temescal Canyon beat Bishop Diego in four sets at home, spoiling an all-local playoff matchup.
Harrison had her way at the net against Torrance as she pounded 16 kills and recorded five blocks. In addition, she also served three aces. She set the tone early, scoring three straight points on a kill and back-to-back aces for a 7-2 lead in the first set.
Torrance made a run, but Harrison got the Chargers back on track with three big hits and a stuff block.
“We all just noticed our patterns pretty well and we all adapted to the game nicely,” said Harrison of the impressive playoff start.
The Chargers played with no fear in their first postseason appearance since 2024.
“We started off strong, and I don’t think any of us were afraid. We were all just really excited to go into the next round,” said Harrison.
She noted that it’s been a season of adjustment with new players and a new coach.
“I think we all adjusted pretty well, and we’re all working for each other.”
The connection between Harrison and setter Allie Ben-Yaacov made things tough for Torrance. Ben-Yaacov executed several quick sets that Harrison timed perfectly and pounded to the floor.
First-year coach Emily Curry was impressed.
“It all starts with the pass, then comes the set and then comes Faith just wailing balls down. It was unbelievable,” she said. “Allie and Faith’s connection has really blossomed throughout the season, but they are really connecting so well right now — it’s like any set Allie can make. It’s really fun to watch.”
Ben-Yaacov also had a good thing going with Athena Bardakos, who was switched to the opposite hitting position. She finished with 10 kills from the right side.
“We moved Athena to the oppo, so when we have Moana (Martinez), Faith and Athena all in the front row… good luck,” said Curry. “That’s a big block.”
Ben-Yaacov dished out 33 assists and picked up 12 digs. Libero Mia Taylor was the team’s dig leader with 13.
Curry said it was nice to see the team play well from the start.
“It was, honestly, our strongest first-game appearance throughout this whole season,” she said. “We typically take most of the first game to warm up and shake out the jitters. It was honestly like the middle of the game. We were in it, we were in our flow.”
Torrance stepped up its play in the second set and kept the score close until Harrison set off a Charger block party with a solo effort to start a 4-0 run and break a 13-13 tie. Harrison followed with a kill, Martinez denied a Torrance attack and Harrison came back with another block for a 17-13 advantage.
Harrison said blocking is the reason she likes playing in the middle. She scored the Chargers’ last three points of the set on a solo block, and a pair of crushing kills.
Ben-Yaacov, who served six aces in the match, went on a nine-point serving run to start the third set. Bardakos ended the match with her 10th kill.
“It’s been super fun, super rewarding watching all of the girls’ growth,” said Curry. “And, like I said before, we’re all playing for each other. No one is playing for themselves. Everybody is playing for something bigger. Hanging a banner on that wall is our goal.”
