This past weekend was filled with shock and spunk from the Lady Tritons on the Gold Team as they took on their first league tournament of the year. They started their morning against Arizona State University with a steady pace in the first set at 22-25, making a comeback second set at 25-15, only to narrowly lose third set 14-16. This close loss sparked a fire of determination inside the Tritons which they took into their next game against Saint Mary’s, winning both sets 25-6 and 26-24 respectively.

When the oppos/setters dug the balls, libero Stephanie Kwan stepped up and started setting balls to the pin hitters, giving the Tritons offensive options. However, the most notable game of the day was their last match against Claremont. Although unorthodox, Claremont proved to be a formidable opponents as they dug and hustled multiple plays from off-block hits by the Lady Tritons. Playing the most consistent they have ever played, the Tritons fought back with energy and passion. With the set from Nicole Qui, outside hitter Becca Strait bounced the ball on the line above the double block and in front of the defense; the team exclaimed, “BECCCCAAAA SMAAAASSSHHH” with flexed arms and charisma to celebrate their point.

The team continued to celebrate and cheer for every point they earned against Claremont, winning both sets 25-20 and 25-18, which placed them first by points in the tournament and in the three-way tie. It was quite a successful first tournament.