Taft Hits Wall as Fremont Rallies

The Taft High girls’ volleyball team didn’t have a problem building early leads in its City Section Division Championship final Friday night against Fremont.

But trying to close the Pathfinders out was as futile as trying to hit through a brick wall.

The second-seeded Toreadors fell, 16-14, 15-8, 15-12, at Occidental College after squandering big leads in the first and third games to fourth-seeded Fremont (14-2).

“Being behind didn’t bother them one bit,” Taft Coach Doug Magorien said.

“They are a great defensive team and we just couldn’t find the formula to get it done tonight.”

Taft led, 12-3, in the first game, but surrendered the next 10 points to fall behind, 13-12.

Trisha Bratford led the Toreadors (10-5) with 14 kills, nine blocks and three aces, but also committed back-to-back hitting errors to give Fremont the first game.

“We won it on heart and motivation,” said third-year Coach Olga Espinoza, whose team swept top-seeded Marshall in the semifinals.

“It is extra special because we beat the top two seeds. I told my players this was their final exam--and they passed with flying colors.”

Marshall trailed, 5-0 and 12-7, in the third game, but rallied behind sophomore Sylvia Bonilla, who served six of her team’s 11 aces.

Both schools were making their first appearance in a championship match.

“We played well at times but we couldn’t sustain it,” Magorien said.

“But this is still a big steppingstone for our program.

“I want the girls to remember what this feels like so they are motivated to come back and win next year.”

Senior Tamika Peoples had six kills and three blocks, and sophomore Shayna Hall added five kills for the Toreadors.

“We felt like underdogs all tournament, so there was really no pressure,” Espinoza said.

“We made history tonight.”