Photo Gallery: Linfield Girls Volleyball Hosts Ontario Christian

Article submitted by Stephanie Bennett; Photos by Valerie Rodriguez

Linfield Volleyball hosted the Ontario Christian Knights on Oct. 3 in what looked to be a competitive match up. Ontario started off strong with some big swings, as the Lions struggled to cover the floor defensively. Winning the first two games 25-22 and 25-20, the Knights were about to start heading for the bus until the Lions came our roaring in Game 3. Senior Vanessa Rodriguez served three aces in a row, turning the game around, giving Linfield a one-point advantage. Combining junior Taylor Aguayo's 4 kills with senior Megan Wilson's 6 digs the Lions rallied to win Game 3, 25-22. 

Game 4 was a point-for-point battle as both teams had missed serves early on and refused to let the ball drop on their side of the court. This all-out effort was easily seen by junior setter, Mandy Leigh; who finished with a game high 21 assists and 16 digs. On one play, Leigh dug the ball into the net, freshman middle Tyler Kamashian kept the ball from falling to the wood, and freshman opposite Annie Whitson used her platform to swing the ball up, with just enough momentum for it to crawl over the net and land in Knight territory, forcing the crowd to their feet! 

The Lions battled for every point like it was their last, tallying up 3 blocks alone in Game 4. However, heading back on the court after a time-out called by Linfield Coach Ryan McKenzie at 22-23, the Knights scored off two ace serves to end the match. 

Senior Vanessa Rodriguez finished with 12 kills, 5 aces, and 9 digs while junior Taylor Aguayo picked up 10 kills and 16 digs.

Still hungry for their first league win after falling to Calvary Murrieta and Arrowhead Christian, the Lions are ready to host Riverside's Woodcrest Christian on Tuesday.