Cal State LA won its final two home games against California Polytechnic Humboldt and Sonoma State in three-set sweeps, clinching a playoff spot in the California College Athletic Association (CCAA) tournament set to start Thursday, Nov. 21. Heading into the game on Saturday, Nov. 16, the University Gym was filled with emotion as players Emily Elliott, Matalasi Danielson and Haley Roundtree were honored as part of Senior Day.
The Golden Eagles began the match by winning the first set in dominating fashion, getting off to an 8-3 lead. The Golden Eagles’ offense was too much for the Sonoma State, and their deficit increased to 13-7. Ultimately, the Golden Eagles continued their dominance, increasing their lead to 19-10 with a five-point run. Huge contributions from Elliott, Zuhal Cetin and Arielle Chandler showed how dominant the team was in the first set, with Elliott making five kills with two aces.
Entering the second set, things got interesting as Sonoma State battled hard against the Golden Eagles. A service error from Arielle Chandler cut the Golden Eagles’ lead in the early stages of the set. Still, they quickly regained momentum with Elliott making four kills, and Roundtree and Samarah DaCoud making two kills each. Everything was heading in the right direction for the Golden Eagles as they were up 24-17, but the tides shifted as the Seawolves mustered a five-point rally and cut the Golden Eagles’ lead down 24-22. The Golden Eagles quickly ended the Seawolves’ rally and ended the set 25-22.
With 11 lead changes and 10 ties, both teams were determined to win the third set. The Golden Eagles tried running away with the lead, but the Seawolves did not let up. The Seawolves eventually would take a 24-23 lead, with a victory in reaching distance with just one more point. Head Coach Juan Figueroa quickly called a timeout to give the team a breather and devise a strategy. That timeout proved crucial as the Golden Eagles overcame their one-point deficit, sealing the final set 26-24 and sweeping the three-set game.
“They were hitting the ball great, and we were hitting the ball great,” said Figueroa, referring to the Seawolves. “It was the passing game, and we were able to get a few good ones and come up with a victory.”
Post-game, Elliott, Roundtree and Matalasi Danielson gathered with friends and family at center court for a group photo. Roundtree expressed why the celebration was special to her and her fellow seniors.
“Oh my gosh, it was just so much anticipation, playing here for as long as I have,” said Roundtree. “This is my sixth year with the program, and this gym has become a second home to me.”
Cal State LA will head into the CCAA playoffs, facing Cal State San Bernardino in Thursday’s quarter-finals at Cal Poly Pomona. When asked about her team’s confidence heading the tournament, Elliott said, “I’m confident. We’re constantly breaking expectations and setting new records. I’m excited.”
This article was first published in the November 21 print edition of the University Times.
