Valhalla volleyball coach Doug Babington said his squad has no superstars, just a strong team ethic and a desire to win.
The latter can't be disputed, but outside hitter Ally Hendrickson put on a performance in last night's San Diego Section Division II semifinal match at Mt. Carmel High that warrants superstar consideration.
Hendrickson registered 13 kills in third-seeded Valhalla's 25-23, 25-22, 27-25 victory over the No. 2 Sundevils. The triumph sends Valhalla to its first section final in girls volleyball, where the team will face No. 1 Scripps Ranch on Saturday at Canyon Crest Academy.
“It's extremely exciting for our team,” said Hendrickson, who had all three of Valhalla's game-clinching kills.
The senior said most of the credit should go to the raucous fans at Valhalla, whose student body paid the way for 66 students to pack into a spirit bus and make the trip.
“The fans have come with us to every game,” Hendrickson said. “They've been great.”
Grossmont South League-champion Valhalla needed all the help it could get against a scrappy Mt. Carmel squad, which finished second in the Valley League.
The Sundevils, led by Sarah Votel, Kelly Rooks and libero Sara Shantz, took a 19-15 lead in the opening game during which Votel and Rooks had four kills apiece.
Valhalla battled back with six unanswered points to steal the momentum. Hendrickson finished the game with a cross-court kill set up by Beth Cylke, who had a match-high 33 assists.
“This team really plays for each other,” Babington said. “They all accept their roles and play their roles well.”
The Sundevils had a golden opportunity to get back into the match in the third game, serving for game point with a 24-22 advantage.
But resilient Valhalla (31-6) rallied for three straight points, and Hendrickson finished Mt. Carmel (20-9) off with a thunderous kill, delighting the orange-clad Valhalla faithful.
“We knew it would be a challenge coming in here,” Babington said. “It was a battle.”
