In a much-anticipated nonleague rivalry match on September 10, the Glendale High School Nitros secured a decisive victory over the Hoover Tornados, sweeping the match in straight sets with scores of 25-5, 25-8, and 25-14. While both teams got off to a slow start, Glendale quickly gained control and demonstrated its dominance over Hoover, a team currently in a rebuilding phase.
“One of our primary goals today was to run a quicker offense, which we were able to do,” said Glendale coach Marji Keyfauver, adding, “The girls are always excited to play Hoover. It’s tradition.”
Hoover’s new head coach, Joshua Giron, remains optimistic about the future of his team. “Our goal for the year is to change the culture of our team,” Giron said. “We have already improved. We have a lot of potential.”
In the first game, Glendale displayed strong hitting, blocking, and serving from key players Aleina Manaois, Mika Valiente, Eliana Lagman, and Kiana Canales. With excellent passing and setting from Eileen Herrera and Emerson Whiting, Hoover struggled to match Glendale’s intensity, ultimately falling 25-5 in the opening set.
The Nitros continued their dominance in the second set, although minor mistakes allowed Hoover some opportunities. However, Glendale maintained firm control, cruising to a 25-8 win.
The third game saw Hoover stepping up with solid performances from players Liandra Amirian, Evelyna Kodzhodyan, and Riley Kidder. The Tornados briefly took the lead at 10-8 and 12-10, but Glendale’s experience and composure allowed them to pull ahead and secure the final set with a 25-14 victory, completing the sweep.
“We picked it up in the third set, but I have to give Glendale their props. They’re amazing. I want to build our team to get to that level,” Giron said.
Glendale’s standout performers included Manaois and Valiente, who each tallied eight kills. Herrera contributed seven kills and three blocks, while Breanna Cuellar added six kills and three blocks. Whiting orchestrated the offense with 29 assists in the match.
Both teams will begin Pacific League play on September 17. Hoover is set to host Burbank High at 5:15 p.m., while Glendale embarks on its league journey with a road match against Pasadena High. Glendale aims to build on last season’s success, which saw them win both the CIF Southern Section and CIF State titles.
Glendale’s Hot Streak Continues
Glendale’s win over Hoover marked their fifth consecutive victory since their 45-match win streak was snapped on August 29. Four of these five wins have been sweeps.
On September 6, Glendale faced Northridge Academy in a nonleague match, winning 25-7, 25-13, 25-14. Herrera and Valiente led the team with seven kills each, while Cuellar added six kills. Manaois contributed four kills and three aces, with Canales adding two kills and three aces. Whiting recorded 27 assists and four aces in the match.
In a September 11 sweep against Burbank, Glendale won 25-7, 25-10, 25-12. Manaois led with 11 kills and three aces, followed by Herrera with nine kills and Valiente with seven. Cuellar chipped in five kills and four blocks, while Whiting tallied 36 assists and three kills. This match had been postponed from September 5 due to a heatwave.
