UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Palisades Dolphins have captured the City Section Open Division girls’ volleyball title by defeating the Venice Gondoliers with a decisive score of 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 at Southwest College on October 20, 2023. This victory marks the Dolphins’ record 31st section championship, a monumental achievement for the team after a four-year title drought.
The atmosphere was electric as the second-seeded Dolphins faced off against their Western League rivals for the fifth time this season. Palisades (35-7) showcased their resilience and skill, particularly in the face of challenges that included recent disruptions to their training facilities. “Going up for that kill, I just knew I had to do it for the team,” said senior star Tulah Block, whose match-winning kill ignited celebrations among her teammates.
The match was not just about winning; it was a testament to the Dolphins’ unity and perseverance. “Our slogan all year was ‘no gym, no problem,’” said senior libero Lucy Neilson. “Today we came with a ‘leave it all out there’ mentality.” The team’s journey was particularly poignant, as they overcame obstacles including practicing on the beach due to gym access issues after a recent fire.
The Gondoliers (32-11), who previously claimed titles in Division II (2012), Division I (2016), and the Open Division (2021), fought hard but could not overcome the Dolphins’ momentum. After falling behind in the first set, Palisades rallied from a 19-16 deficit to secure their first set victory. Despite a strong start in the third set, Venice was unable to maintain their lead as Palisades surged ahead, propelled by a remarkable serving run from Phoebe Messiha.
In the earlier Division V final, Legacy swept Sotomayor with a score of 25-20, 25-18, 25-12, both teams vying for their first City title. “We’re here because we pushed for it,” said Legacy libero Yahaira Ramirez. “Not all teams are going to have a 100 percent win streak.”
Palisades’ victory is a pivotal moment for their program, reasserting their dominance in the City Section after years of competition against strong teams from the West Valley League. As fans celebrate this hard-earned victory, the Dolphins have announced their intent to build on this success in the coming seasons.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and join the conversation on social media to share your thoughts about this incredible match!
