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Tag: girls volleyball

  • Rick’s Sports Corner: Khloe Pavia Stands Out On Court, Classroom

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    By Rick Assad

    Khloe Pavia played three seasons of varsity volleyball for Burroughs High and was a key figure on the floor.

    “I think I brought a lot of positive energy to the team as well as being someone my teammates could come to,” said Pavia, a senior who will be attending UC Santa Cruz and will also play on the women’s volleyball team. “Before a match I would try to get locked in by listening to music or just mentally preparing for the match.”

    Pavia, who is a middle blocker, came to the sport early and has enjoyed it more than any other sport she attempted.

    “I played many different sports growing up like basketball, softball and tennis but I never really loved to play any of them,” she stated. “In sixth grade, my parents signed me up for a parks and recreation team. That’s when I started to really like the sport.”

    Pavia, who plans on majoring in political science, added: “I stopped playing competitively in seventh and eighth grade due to Covid-19,” she said. “The summer before ninth grade I decided to try out for the Burroughs team, and I made it on the junior varsity team.”

    What Pavia, who was named Most Valuable Player this season and was tabbed All-Pacific League first team in 2024 and second team in 2023, likes about volleyball is that there’s always a great deal of action.

    “I love how fast paced the game is. It really keeps the game interesting for the players and the audience,” she said. “It is also a game that requires many different skills, and I love working to try to master them.”

    Khloe Pavia (No. 6) is having fun with a teammate and was named the Pacific League Most Valuable Player in 2025. (Photo courtesy Khloe Pavia)

    Burroughs has a long history of fielding strong volleyball teams and this season was no exception.

    The Bears went 25-9 overall and 13-1 for first place in the league and advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division III second-round of the playoffs after beating visiting Claremont in straight sets and falling to host Corona Del Mar in five games.

    In Burroughs’ match immediately before the playoffs, the Bears took on visiting Providence and claimed a four-set victory. In that triumph, Pavia had an incredible 23 kills.  

    Edwin Real is Burroughs longtime head coach and appreciates what Pavia brought to the table.

    “Khloe has helped raise the level of play at Burroughs. Not only with her athleticism but her hard work in practice,” he said. “She definitely leads by example. She has also helped bring back some Burroughs traditions that have faded since COVID-19.”

    Pavia could be depended upon and very often delivered the goods.

    “My job on the court this year was to be dependable,” she stated. “Someone my teammates could depend on during a game and someone they could depend on during practices.”

    Pavia’s goals weren’t too many, but they included winning the league title and advancing in the playoffs.

    “Our two team goals this year were to be a good teammate and win the league,” she stated. “Both of these goals were met.”

    When Burroughs faced other better league foes, Pavia was always pumped.

    “Some of my favorite matches were when we played Arcadia away because in my years in the program, we had never beat them, so it was very exciting to do that in my senior year,” she admitted and finished with 23 kills versus the Apaches. “I also loved playing against Crescenta Valley for the second time. Our entire team played very well, and we all were very competitive because we wanted to win the league.”

    Sometimes winning and losing can come with a price and they stand on opposite sides of the spectrum.

    Khloe Pavia (No. 6) and Sienna Lay (No. 17) are ready for action. (Photo courtesy Khloe Pavia)

    “Dealing with defeat was very difficult for me this season. Especially after we lost against Crescenta Valley,” Pavia acknowledged. “I was very frustrated. To get out of the funk, I really leaned on my teammates and worked even harder in practice in the following weeks.”

    Having played volleyball for some time, Pavia knows the game and how to get the most out of it and herself.

    “The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is just that it is never that serious,” she explained. “Volleyball is something I do for fun so it’s important to not put that much weight on it.”

    Pavia’s four years of high school volleyball and three years on the varsity have given her strength, perspective and a sense of accomplishments. 

    “I had the best senior season I could ask for,” she noted.” I had the most amazing team and I’m grateful I got to spend the season with my best friends.”

    Real is grateful for Pavia’s impact on the program and feels confident that she will succeed.

    “As a person, she is well liked by all of her teammates and the coaching staff,” he said. “She takes feedback well and immediately implements tips or advice. She’s determined to get better with each contact.”

    UCLA Health

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  • Providence Girls Volleyball Earns Four-Set Victory

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    Kailey Ho helped Providence win versus Rim Of The World but it wasn’t easy. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    By Rick Assad

    At first glance and after two sets, it appeared that the Providence High girls’ volleyball team would easily handle Rim Of The World in a CIF Southern Section Division VI opening-round match at the Fritz B. Burns Activity Center on Tuesday night.

    It was anything but as the visitors stormed back and claimed the third set and came within a whisker of forcing a fifth game.

    The 25-8, 25-14, 17-25, 25-20 triumph showed that the Pioneers have grit and determination and this should help in future matches.

    Sam Tozlian is the Providence head coach, and several things caught his attention.

    “I like the way we went into that match with aggression and confidence. In that third set, Rim made adjustments and started playing much better,” he noted. “I think we took our foot off the gas a little bit and made uncharacteristic errors in the third and fourth.”

    Tozlian added: “It took some clutch plays late in the fourth to finish them off but credit to Rim Of The World for making it hard on us,” he stated.

    The Fighting Scots led 6-2 in the fourth set when Providence junior Kailey Ho hit out of bounds.

    Both Providence and Rim Of The World played well and gave it their all. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    When junior Zoe Barrows added three straight service aces, Providence led 9-7.

    Rim Of The World (15-13) tied it at 10-10 on Ho’s hitting error but the hosts had an 8-2 run for a 18-12 advantage.

    During that stretch, junior Nasiyah Chapman, who led all players with 13 kills, contributed a pair that made it 13-10 and 17-12 as the visitors asked for time.

    The Fighting Scots then collected eight of 11 points and evened it at 20-20 on a push from junior setter Brynn Bagnell.

    The Pioneers remained calm despite the run and claimed the next five points as Barrows capped the set and match with back-to-back service aces.

    The first game was dominated by Providence which led 6-1 on a service error by sophomore opposite hitter Nadia Sherrill.

    The Pioneers went on another extended surge as they pulled ahead 12-2 on an ace from junior Sarah Swinhart.

    Providence (21-12) marched in front 19-6 on a kill from Chapman and 24-8 on a block from Roxanne Kramer.

    A hitting miscue from Rim Of The World’s sophomore opposite hitter, Khloe Drexel ended the set.

    In the second set, the Pioneers raced in front 5-2 on an ace from Chapman and it became 8-4 on a service winner from Swinhart.

    Ho’s kill made it 9-6, Ho’s service ace pushed the cushion to 12-8 and junior Sydney Forlano’s service winner made it 16-9.

    Senior Giselle Pacheco’s kill increased Providence’s lead to 19-12. A spike from Olivia Buhay made it 20-13 as the Fighting Scots needed a time out.

    Providence then claimed five of the next six points and collected the second set on a hitting miscue from senior middle blocker Jaelyn Granado.

    Rim Of The World’s best effort was the third set as it led 9-5 on a kill from freshman outside hitter Liv Stiansen and another winner from Stiansen made it 15-9.

    Junior middle blocker Evangeline Juarez and Granado each had a hand in a stuff that made it 21-16 and Bagnell’s kill made the game official.

    “That setter for Rim [Bagnell] was excellent, we knew she would dump the ball and she was still able to find spots on the court,” Tozlian said. “Their best hitter was hurt. She was very brave for toughing it out.”

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  • Burroughs Girls Volleyball Goes Four Sets With Providence

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    It was a battle between Providence and Burroughs, which prevailed in four sets. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    By Rick Assad

    On Wednesday evening at its home gymnasium, the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team took on Providence in what turned out to be an exciting four-set match.

    The Bears dropped the opening game to the Pioneers, but steadily and surely grabbed three straight sets and claimed a 25-27, 25-23, 25-12, 25-20 victory.

    Khloe Pavia set the offensive tone and was supported by senior opposite hitter Isabela Hanson, junior middle blocker Zoe Davis and sophomore outside hitter Amelia Walsh.

    “I think after the first set we really cleaned up our passing,” said Pavia, a senior middle blocker. “We were also doing a great job defending and getting a lot of balls up. I think we did a great job of sticking together as a team and uplifting each other after that first set.”

    In the deciding set, the Pioneers broke ahead 3-0 on a winner from junior Nasiyah Chapman.

    The Bears (24-8) rallied and led 8-7 on a kill from junior outside hitter Trinity Taylan and then pulled ahead 12-11 and 13-11 on consecutive aces from junior defensive specialist Joanna Brain.

    The Pioneers show emotion after winning a point versus the Bears. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    Brain’s service winner made it 15-11 and at this point Burroughs seized control as it forged ahead 17-12 on Pavia’s kill.

    Walsh’s rocket made it 18-13 and then 21-13 on a block from senior opposite hitter Leila Lazaar.

    Taylan’s kill increased the margin to 23-15 but Providence drew within 23-19 and 24-19 on aces from junior Zoe Barrows.

    The Pioneers (20-12) came within 24-20 on a hitting error by Taylan but a lightning bolt from Davis made it three straight games and the match.

    Burroughs head coach Edwin Real knows his team was in for a fight.

    “It was competitive. Providence came to play,” he said. “We kept our composure, and I was happy to see other girls contribute.”

    The opening game was a back-and-forth struggle as it was knotted eight times including 25-25 after a push from Chapman.

    What occurred next were points made when Lazaar hit into the net and another tapper from Chapman that gave the Pioneers the set.

    Providence pulled in front 4-0 on consecutive service winners from Chapman but Burroughs outscored the visitors 11-5 for an 11-9 advantage.

    During this impressive run, Pavia contributed two kills for a 9-6 lead and a 10-7 advantage.

    Burroughs led 16-13 on an ace from sophomore defensive specialist Kylee Beveridge, 19-14 on a co-stuff from Hanson and Davis and 21-19 on Pavia’s dagger.

    The second set witnessed the Pioneers taking a 3-0 lead on an ace from sophomore Daniella Aves and then pulling in front 6-1 on an ace from Chapman.

    The defense really sparkled for the Bears against the Pioneers, but both teams played well. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    The Bears roared back and tied it at 11-11 on a block from Davis.

    Continuing its solid play, Burroughs took a 17-12 lead on a kill from Pavia and led 20-15 on Pavia’s winner.

    Pavia was at it again as she added another spike that made it 23-18 and the game was nabbed on Taylan’s kill.

    Game three once again began well for Providence which led 2-0 on a kill from junior Gianna La Fontaine.

    Burroughs responded with a 9-2 spurt and led 9-4 on a block from Hanson.

    It became 15-6 on a spike from Taylan and it was 18-7 on a push from Davis. Pavia’s kill made it 24-12 and Pavia’s tapper was the game-winner.

    Sam Tozlian is Providence’s head coach and was pleased with the effort his team brought to the match.

    “I like how free we were playing. The girls came in with no pressure and low expectations and so they were able to play up to the level of Burroughs,” he said. “I also liked how we rebounded in that last set after the dismal showing in the third set.”

    Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center

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  • Burroughs Girls Volleyball Downs Rival Burbank In Three Sets

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    Burroughs swept visiting Burbank in the Pacific League finale, but it was hard-fought. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    By Rick Assad

    On Senior Night seven upperclassmen started for the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team on Tuesday evening versus visiting and longtime city rival Burbank.

    They were middle blocker Khloe Pavia, outside hitter Sienna Lay, setter Savana Lay, opposite hitter Isabela Hanson, opposite hitter Leila Lazaar, defensive specialist Andrea Slobig and setter Talia Grandinetti and each had a hand in the 25-12, 25-18, 25-21 sweep in the Pacific League finale.

    Up next is the CIF Southern Section playoffs for those teams selected.

    Pavia and Sienna Lay stood out offensively but the others contributed in many ways.

    Edwin Real is the Burroughs head coach and enjoyed what he witnessed.

    “It was fun watching the kids perform together. No matter who we had on the court, they all had fun on and off the court,” he said. “It was good to see Burbank playing hard until the end.”

    The Bears (23-8 and 13-1 in league for first place) assumed control of the third set by pulling ahead 5-1 on an ace from Slobig.

    The effort was there for the Bulldogs, but the Bears prevailed in three sets in the last Pacific League match of the season. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    Savanna Lay’s push made it 8-5 and when Lazaar tossed in a perfectly timed block, the home team forged ahead 13-8.

    A kill from junior middle blocker Zoe Davis handed the Bears a 17-12 cushion and Savanna Lay’s back-to-back service winners made it 19-12 as the Bulldogs (12-20 and 6-8 in league for fifth place) needed a stoppage in play.

    Lazaar’s kill saw the Bears march ahead 23-19 and Lazaar’s clean stuff made it 24-18.

    Sophomore outside hitter Amelia Walsh’s spike made the set and match official.

    The opening game once again witnessed the Bears sprinting to a quick lead, this time 7-1 on a winner from Davis.

    Sienna Lay’s kill made it 11-3 and a Davis service ace extended the margin to 14-4. Sienna Lay’s spike then made it 17-7 and her ace pushed the Bears in front 18-7.

    “I thought our energy was great and it was quite a way to end the league part of the season,” Lay stated. “We’re super ready to go into the playoffs and we’re hyped.”

    Savana Lay’s service winner made it 21-10 as Burbank requested and received a stoppage in play.

    Savana Lay then added an ace to make it 23-10 and the game was over when Pavia hammered home a spike.

    “It was super fun to end my Pacific League career with a win, especially against our rivals,” Pavia said. “I loved starting with all the other seniors. It was a really great moment.”

    Burbank’s Emerson Chong gets off the floor for the point, but Burroughs’ Alex Hammeke tries to block the shot. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    The middle set saw the Bears jump ahead 8-4 on a kill from Pavia and 11-7 on a winner from middle blocker Alex Hammeke.

    After Hanson’s push the lead swelled to 14-9 and then 16-11 on a kill from Pavia.

    Lazaar’s winner made it 18-11 in favor of the Bears.

    The Bulldogs rallied as a kill from junior middle blocker Madison Yosh sliced the lead to 18-12.

    Yosh’s service winner trimmed the deficit to 21-17 but a kill from Lazaar made it 22-17.

    Carmen Camacho-Platas is Burbank’s first year head coach and was pleased with the effort and focus of her squad.

    “I’m happy that the girls were able to gain more control as the match went on,” she said. “I felt Burroughs played a stronger match than the first time we saw them and that we improved as well.” 

    Camacho-Platas praised some of her younger players and some of her more experienced players.

    “Our two freshmen, [outside hitter/right side hitter] Emerson Chong and [middle blocker/right side hitter] Samantha Yosh got some great kills against them,” she said. “I was also proud of how our seniors, [setter] Grace O’Connor, [outside hitter] Anya Oganyan and [outside hitter] Reagan Shchur played. Our fourth senior, [outside hitter/right side hitter] Lorin Azizian was passing really well before she got injured in the first set “

    Camacho-Platas added: “Anya was able to get some great passes and kills that energized her teammates,” he continued. “Our [junior] libero Chloe Gallager was in the line of fire for a lot of strong swings from Burroughs side, and she played good defense by covering her teammates. I was especially excited to see the girls having fun and playing hard in the last set.” 

    Junior outside hitter Trinity Taylan added two points for the Bears as it became 23-17 and 24-17 before Savana Lay’s push sealed the second game.

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  • Burroughs Girls Volleyball Scores Four-Set Triumph

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    Burroughs required four sets in order to defeat host Glendale in a Pacific League match. (Photo by Rick Assad)

    By Rick Assad

    Because of disciplinary reasons, the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team used its reserves for much of the match versus host Glendale on Tuesday.

    Those players more than held their own during a four-setter claimed by the Bears, 25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 25-8 in a Pacific League match.

    Both clubs were stubborn and played with intensity and grit and each had shining moments.

    Longtime Burroughs coach Edwin Real set the tone of the match early on.

    “We had to discipline a couple players so it was a forced rest of the starters,” he explained. “We put a lot of pressure on those that were on the court. They responded well.”

    The Bears (10-1 and 4-0 in league) held a distinct advantage in that they have played nearly three times the matches as the Nitros (1-3 and 1-3 in league).

    Burroughs seized command of the fourth game as it led 5-1 on an ace from senior opposite hitter Isabela Hanson as Glendale needed time out.

    The Bears warm up for their Pacific League match versus the Nitros which they won in four sets. (Photo by Rick Assad)

    The advantage became 9-3 on a kill from senior outside hitter Sienna Lay, who didn’t play in the first two sets.

    “Yeah, the starters didn’t play too much and I’m not sure it was our best match but a win’s a win,” she said.

    Lay’s push made it 11-3 and Lay’s rocket saw the Bears pull ahead 13-4.

    Senior setter Savana Lay, who also didn’t play in the first two games added back-to-back service winners for a 14-4 cushion and 15-4 lead.

    Sienna Lay’s push made it 17-5 and her service winner increased the margin to 18-5.

    Hanson’s push made it 23-8 and senior defensive specialist Andrea Slobig’s service ace made it 24-8.

    Senior middle blocker Khloe Pavia, who likewise didn’t play much in the early sets, sealed the game and match with a kill.

    “I think that the game went very well and I’m excited we picked it up after that second set,” she stated. “I think my team did a really good job at staying focused, together and persevering.”

    Burroughs captured the initial game but Glendale led 4-2 on a push from Serafina Hamo and 7-4 on a kill from Megan Angele.

    From this juncture, the Bears picked up the pace and it was tied 10-10 on a block from senior opposite hitter Leila Lazaar.

    Burroughs then forged ahead 14-11 on a stuff from junior outside hitter Trinity Taylan as the Nitros called time out. The Bears then dashed in front 15-12 on a mishit from Angele.

    Hanson’s push made it 17-13 and a tapper from junior middle blocker Zoe Davis saw the Bears march in front 21-14.

    Burroughs won four of the next six points including Lazaar’s winner for the set.

    The third set was close early as it was deadlocked 2-2 on Glendale’s Leah Alfaro’s kill.

    It was 3-3 on a hitting error from Glendale’s Harmony Cawit, 5-5 on Hanson’s ace and 6-6 on a Glendale net serve.

    It was tied at 7-7 on Pavia’s kill and 8-8 on Sienna Lay’s hitting miscue.

    The Bears went on a 3-1 spurt that included Sienna Lay’s kill for an 11-8 lead and pulled ahead 16-12 on an ace from junior defensive specialist Emma De Cunzo Steinglass.

    Pavia’s spike made it 19-13 and Pavia’s blast put the Bears in front 21-13. Pavia wasn’t done as she made it 23-13 and 24-13 on back-to-back kills and Pavia’s rocket gave the Bears the set.

    In the second game, Glendale led 4-2 on a kill from Hamo and 7-4 on Alfaro’s winner. The Nitros shimmied in front 15-11 on four straight aces from Cawit.

    An ace from Rebekah Cruz made it 22-19, Cawit’s service ace made it 24-22 and a hitting miscue from Pavia gave the Nitros the game.

    On Thursday, Burroughs will visit Crescenta Valley in a league match and it will begin at 3:45 p.m.

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  • Burbank Defeats Hoover In Five Sets

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    Burbank is ready to receive the Hoover serve in a Pacific League match. (Photo by Rick Assad)

    By Rick Assad

    Two minutes shy of two hours is what it took for the Burbank High girls’ volleyball team to vanquish host Hoover in five sets in a Pacific League match on Tuesday afternoon.

    The match went in favor of the Bulldogs who took the first two sets before the Tornadoes rallied to claim the next two.

    Both teams played well, and each showed signs that more good things are in store.

    Officially, the scores were 25-18, 25-14, 20-25, 22-25, 15-11.

    Carmen Camacho-Platas is the Burbank varsity head coach.

    “I thought Hoover was scrappy and had a lot of hustle. I told my girls right before the fifth set that so far, Hoover wants this win more than they did and it was showing in the dropped sets,” she said. “I think that lit a fire which led to them upping their intensity to win the last set. I was happy to see us running our middles much more than we have in other matches, so we’re making progress.”

    The decider was tied at 2-2 before the visitors went on a 7-1 run to lead 9-3 on an ace from senior outside hitter Lorin Azizian.

    Burbank’s advantage became 10-5 on a kill from sophomore opposite hitter Natalie Eguiazarian but Hoover charged back and came within 12-9 on a push out of bounds from senior setter Grace O’Connor.

    It’s a few minutes before game time for the Bulldogs who faced the Tornadoes and won across five sets. (Photo by Rick Assad)

    The Bulldogs righted the ship and pulled ahead 14-10 on a spike from Azizian and Azizian’s blast clinched the set and match.

    Burbank (6-9 and 1-1 in league) seized a 7-1 lead in the opening game as freshman outside hitter Emerson Chong nailed a winner.

    Junior middle blocker Madison Yosh’s push extended the cushion to 10-3 and Chong’s ace made it 12-5.

    Yosh’s service winner made it 15-7 and Azizian’s spike saw the Bulldogs race to a 17-11 advantage.

    Erika Kirakosyan’s bullet witnessed Hoover come within 18-13 as Burbank asked for stoppage in play.

    Chong’s service ace handed the Bulldogs a 21-14 lead and Chong’s service winner made it 23-14. The initial set went to Burbank on a kill from Azizian.

    The Bulldogs grabbed the second set after leading 4-2 on an ace from junior libero Chloe Gallagher and back-to-back aces from Gallagher that made it 6-2 and 7-2 as Hoover (0-4 and 0-2 in league) asked for a breather.

    Yosh’s kill made it 11-3, Yosh’s stuff extended the lead to 14-6 and Yosh added three service winners to make it 17-6 as Hoover requested a time out.

    Gallagher’s consecutive aces made it 23-12 and 24-12 and a tapper from Yosh finalized the game.

    Burbank controlled the early portion of the third set as the visitors led 5-2 on an ace from Azizian.

    Hoover fought back and drew within 8-6 on a kill from Isabella Trejo-Galvez. The Bulldogs led 10-8 on a winner from Azizian and scurried in front 15-12 on a push from Eguiazarian.

    A kill from Hoover’s Sona Yegnanyan made it 18-17 in favor of the home team and Yegnanyan’s service ace increased the lead to 21-18.

    Trejo-Galvez’s ace made it 24-20 and a hitting miscue by Azizian saw Hoover win its first set.

    Burbank was in control early and often during the fourth set as it led 7-4 on a kill from O’Connor.

    It became 12-8 on an ace from Azizian but Hoover charged ahead 16-15 on an ace from Yegnanyan.

    Harutyunyan’s back-to-back aces made it 21-18 and 22-18 as Burbank asked for time.

    Kirakosyan’s stuff saw the Tornadoes inch within 24-22 and Peyton Braun’s service ace sealed the deal as each team won two sets.

    Stephanie Yost is the head coach and Director of Volleyball Operations and was equally pleased.

    “I love that the girls dug deep today,” she said. “The girls trusted Coach Carmen and played great under her instruction and made the corrections that were needed to get the win.”

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  • Girls Volleyball Preview: Burroughs, Burbank, Providence All Look For Upside

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    Burroughs girls’ volleyball should have another productive season. (Photo courtesy Edwin Real)

    By Rick Assad

    One of the three local girls’ varsity volleyball teams should be competitive and two are having it somewhat tough.

    Burroughs High puts a solid product on the floor year in and year out while Burbank has been decent and Providence is currently rebuilding.

    The Bears are coming off an 18-13 season, 6-4 for third place in the Pacific League and went to CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs and beat Northwood in five sets in the opening round and falling to Millikan in four games in the next round.

    Edwin Real has been the Bears’ coach for some time and has seven seniors at his disposal.

    “Our overall expectation is to play as a team, make a good playoff run and finish at the top of the Pacific League,” he said of the club.

    There is much for Real to be excited about this season.

    “Our strengths are serving, passing, hitting and setting and are good and consistent,” he noted. “Our offense has been working well together.”

    The seniors include outside hitter Sienna Lay, middle blocker Khloe Pavia, opposite hitter Leila Lazaar, setter Talia Grandinetti, setter Savana Lay, opposite hitter Izzy Hanson and defensive specialist Andrea Slobig.

    Burbank’s team has potential, but it has to be realized under Stephanie Yosh, the first-year coach. (Photo courtesy Janet Landrum)

    Lazaar and Hanson are both making the jump from the junior varsity.

    There are four juniors on the team, and they are outside hitter Zoe Davis, outside hitter Trinity Taylan, defensive specialist Joanna Brain and defensive specialist Emma De Cunzo Steinglass.

    The rest of the team includes three sophomores and they are outside hitter Amelia Walsh, outside hitter Kylee Beveridge and middle blocker Alex Hammeke.

    “Khloe, Savana, Sienna have all improved over the summer, as well as Emma and Zoe,” Real pointed out. 

    The Bulldogs have a first-year coach in Stephanie Yosh, and she has four seniors on the team to provide leadership.

    They include outside hitter Anya Oganian, outside hitter Lorin Azizian, outside hitter setter Reagan Shchur and setter Grace O’Connor  

    Five juniors dot the roster and they are outside hitter Lana Kang, libero Chloe Gallagher, defensive specialist Frankie Kim, middle hitter Madison Yosh and setter Eva Snyder.

    There are a trio of sophomores on the team and they are opposite hitter Natalie Egiazarian, defensive specialist Ani Kivijian and middle Gabriella Jarra.

    Two first-year players are on the team and they are outside hitter Emerson Chong and opposite hitter Samantha Yosh.

    Yosh is trying to build something at Burbank, which went 9-26-2 and 1-7 in league for seventh place.

    “Ultimately, I want the girls to have fun and grow as athletes,” she said. “Some of them have been through a lot with the high coaching turnover, so one of our top priorities as their coaches this season is to provide stability and consistency.”

    Providence is in a rebuilding season and next year will play in a different league. (Photo courtesy Sam Tozlian)

    Yosh knows it’s not going to be easy but she and her staff are ready for the role of getting the program on track.

    “That way, they can focus on improving, competing, and getting wins. In the league, we expect to be competitive in every match and play with purpose and intent,” she added. “One of our long-term goals is to build a strong foundation for the program through accountability, respect, integrity, grit, and pride when wearing the Burbank jersey.”

    Yosh also looks forward to the season.

    “What I like about this team is its diversity. It’s not often that you have a varsity team with all four grade levels represented. Every girl on this team earned her spot through hard work and dedication, both at tryouts and in practice.” she stated. “I love that they support one another and communicate effectively to make immediate adjustments during games and practices.”

    Yosh added: “They take Co-Coach Carmen [Camacho-Platas] seriously, respect her leadership, and have embraced her coaching style,” she continued. “I’m excited to see this group grow together, compete hard, and win this season.”

    Sam Tozlian is Providence’s head man and is hopefully optimistic about the season despite carving out an 11-15 mark and 5-9 for fifth in the Prep League.

    “This is a rebuilding year for us. Last season we graduated nearly all of our starters and the player who was poised to be one of our best players transferred to Chatsworth,” he offered. “That being said, we are moving to a league (Independence) where we are one of the favorites instead of being underdogs like we were every year in the Prep League. I expect to finish in the top two and finally make the playoffs.”

    The Pioneers have three seniors and they are Giselle Pacheco, Cate Mejia and Isa Aves.

    Nine players are juniors and include Sarah Swinhart, Natalia Avanesian, Kailey Ho, Gianna La Fontaine, Lori Sepillian, Zoey Barrows, Nasiyah Chapman, Sydney Forlano and Emily Steward.

    Three are sophomores and include Sofia Foster, Melania Adjamian and Gigi Aves.

    “Gigi is a setter and our captain and the best player,” Tozlian said. “This is her second season on varsity.”

    Chapman is a transfer from Burroughs and is an outside hitter.

    “She played for San Gabriel Elite’s Top 16 and under team last year and is going to be our primary finisher once she is cleared to play,” Tozlian noted.

    Ho is also an outside hitter and was on the San Gabriel Elite Top 16 and under team.

    “Kailey is entering her third year on varsity but this will be her first year playing outside hitter, but we have high expectations,” Tozlian said.

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  • Burroughs Girls Volleyball Sweeps Past Visiting South Hills

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    In a nonleague girls’ volleyball match, host Burroughs blitzed South Hills in convincing fashion. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    By Rick Assad

    Everything seemingly went according to plan for the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team in a nonleague match versus visiting South Hills.

    Backed by the overall play of senior outside hitter Sienna Lay, senior middle blocker Khloe Pavia, junior middle blocker Zoe Davis and sophomore outside hitter Amelia Walsh, the Bears thrashed the Huskies 25-11, 25-8, 25-18 on Monday afternoon.

    The last set was fairly close only because Edwin Real, the longtime Bears’ head coach, rested many of his starters.

    “When we serve and pass well, we look good,” he explained of the three-set sweep. “We’re able to run a fast offense when we pass well.”

    After losing the first match of the season to Chaminade across five sets, the Bears have recorded consecutive wins over Culver City, Crossroads and Marlborough all in four sets.

    The first game was tied early at 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6 and 7-7 but the Bears (4-1) took control 10-7 on a push from senior opposite hitter Leila Lazaar.

    When Savana Lay served an ace for a 12-7 advantage, the Huskies (3-1) asked for time out.

    Zoe Davis chimed in with five kills for the Bears who knocked off the Huskies in three sets. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)

    Savana Lay’s ace made it 15-8 and Lazaar’s kill made it 17-8.

    An ace from Sienna Lay (who finished with a match-best 11 kills) extended the lead to 21-8.

    Another service winner by Sienna Lay made it 24-8 and a service miscue gave the opening set to the hosts.

    The second set was much easier for the Bears who led 5-1 on a hitting error by South Hills.

    A kill from Pavia (five kills) made it 9-2 as the Huskies requested a time out.

    When action resumed the advantage swelled to 13-4 on a winner from Sienna Lay.

    Back-to-back kills from Sienna Lay made it 17-5 and 18-5 and a service winner by Sienna Lay extended the advantage to 20-6.

    From this juncture, the Bears took five of the seven points including the set-clincher on sophomore middle blocker Alex Hammeke’s push to make it 25-8.

    The final game started off with the Bears taking a 3-0 lead on an ace from sophomore defensive specialist Kylee Beveridge.

    The Huskies rallied and knotted it at 5-5 on a kill from Jazelle Mendoza but a tapper from Savana Lay leveled it at 7-7.

    The Bears took control at this point and led 10-7 on a dagger from Sienna Lay. When Davis (five kills) added a service winner, Burroughs charged ahead 13-8 and then led 16-9 on an ace from Savana Lay.

    Senior opposite hitter Isabella Hanson added a push for the Bears to make it 19-13 and Walsh’s slam made it 19-14.

    Walsh (five kills) tossed in a winner that made it 22-16 and consecutive aces from Hanson saw the Bears dashed ahead 22-16 and 23-16.

    The set and match were sealed on a service mistake from Samantha Martinez.

    BurCal Apartments8715

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  • Trans teens file lawsuit challenging New Hampshire law banning them from girls’ sports

    Trans teens file lawsuit challenging New Hampshire law banning them from girls’ sports

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    MEREDITH, N.H. (AP) — The families of two transgender teens in New Hampshire filed a lawsuit Friday challenging a new state law that bans them from playing on girls’ sports teams at their public high schools.

    The issue of how to treat transgender athletes has been fiercely debated across the U.S. in recent years and has sparked numerous lawsuits. Two weeks ago, a Florida school employee who allowed her transgender daughter to play on the high school’s girls volleyball team was suspended for 10 days. The employee is part of a federal lawsuit to block the state’s law. Meanwhile a legal challenge to Connecticut’s policy about trans students competing in school sports has been making it’s way through the court system for several years.

    The New Hampshire lawsuit says Parker Tirrell, 15, and Iris Turmelle, 14, each knew from an early age they were girls and have been accepted as such by parents, peers, teammates and coaches.

    Tirrell, who is starting 10th grade this year at Plymouth Regional High School, played soccer with the girls’ team in 9th grade and said she wants to start practicing with the team again ahead of the first game on Aug. 30.

    “Playing soccer with my teammates is where I feel the most free and happy. We’re there for each other, win or lose,” she said in a statement. “Not being allowed to play on my team with the other girls would disconnect me from so many of my friends and make school so much harder.”

    The suit says both girls have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, feelings of distress due to a mismatch between their birth sex and their gender identity. Both have been taking puberty-blocking medication to prevent bodily changes such as muscle development, facial hair growth or a deepening voice that might add to that distress.

    The lawsuit claims the New Hampshire law violates constitutional protections and federal laws because the teens are being denied equal educational opportunities and are being discriminated against because they are transgender.

    The lawsuit names New Hampshire Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut and other education officials as defendants.

    New Hampshire’s Republican Governor Chris Sununu signed the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act” into law last month, and it takes effect next week.

    He said at the time that the law was widely supported and that New Hampshire was joining nearly half of all U.S. states in taking such a measure.

    The law “ensures fairness and safety in women’s sports by maintaining integrity and competitive balance in athletic competitions,” Sununu said in a statement last month.

    Both the education commissioner and the governor referred inquiries to the state Department of Justice, which said it was reviewing the complaint and would “respond as appropriate.”

    Turmelle is entering her first year of high school at Pembroke Academy and says she’s looking forward to trying out for both the tennis and track and field teams.

    “I’m a transgender girl, I’ve known that my whole life and everyone knows I’m a girl,” she said in a statement. “I don’t understand why I shouldn’t get to have the same opportunities as other girls at school.”

    The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Concord, seeks for an immediate ruling to allow both girls to play or participate in tryouts. The girls and their families are represented by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the ACLU of New Hampshire and Goodwin.

    “New Hampshire cannot justify singling out transgender girls to deny them essential educational benefits available to other students,” said Chris Erchull, a senior staff attorney at GLAD.

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