In its toughest test so far this season, the Palisades High girls varsity volleyball team passed with flying colors. Facing crosstown rival Santa Monica last Thursday on the sparkling new PaliHi gymnasium floor, the Dolphins fell behind two games to one before rallying to win the final two games and avenge last year’s loss to the Vikings. Sophomore middle blocker Alex Lunder admitted it was not an easy victory. “SaMo was a very tough match. It went back and forth and we were able to pull it out at the end.” New coach Matt Shubin, who has had only two weeks of practice time with the team since being hired three days before the season opener, said beating Santa Monica was a huge confidence booster. “I’m really proud of the girls for coming back the way they did. We came from behind to win the fourth game and trailed 3-0 at the start of the fifth game but came on strong to win it 17-15. That shows a lot of character.” Two days later, Palisades participated in the Chatsworth Tournament and took third place, winning all of its pool play matches before losing in the semifinals to Narbonne, 25-18. “There were about 20 schools there so we got to see some of the better teams in the City,” Shubin said. “Based on what I saw, we should do pretty well in the playoffs as long as we keep improving.” On Monday, Palisades traveled to Fairfax for its Western League opener and swept the host Lions, 25-11, 25-18, 25-23. The Dolphins took a 9-0 lead in Game 2, which senior Alina Kheyfets ended with a crosscourt kill. Palisades trailed 21-17 in the third game before senior Kaylie McCallister came to the rescue by serving six straight points, including two aces. McCallister said the players are adjusting well to Shubin’s coaching style. “We’re doing pretty well considering we didn’t practice all summer and didn’t have a coach until the season started. It helps that a lot of us have played together before.” Though statisfied with the victory, McCallister said the Dolphins must guard against playing down to the level of their opponents. Lunder agreed: “We definitely didn’t play at our own level in that third game. It could be that were still a little tired from the tournament over the weekend, but we know we have to play better against the stronger teams. Venice usually presents Palisades its strongest challenge in league, but Lunder said University could be a sleeper this season. “I know Uni’s coach and they are a solid team. They can did almost anything. I still think we’ll beat them, and Venice too, but they will be our main competition.” Following the varsity match, PaliHi’s junior varsity also swept the Lions.
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