 Senior libero Tait Johnson served three aces and added eight digs in Palisades' four-game loss to Taft in the City Division II playoffs. Rich Schmitt /Staff Photographer |
Dolphins Can't Pass Semifinal Test By Steve Galluzzo, Sports Editor 2009-11-18
So much for getting another shot at Venice.
Taft of Woodland Hills snapped Palisades' 12-match winning streak in the City Section playoffs with a stunning 25-17, 20-25, 25-17, 25-15 victory Tuesday night in the Division II semifinals.
It wasn't so much that the Dolphins lost the match, but rather the way they lost that miffed Coach Chris Forrest. For once, his team didn't bring its 'A' game when it was required to advance.
"We weren't able to pass the ball tonight, it's as simple as that," Forrest said. "If you can't pass, that's it, you're done."
The #2-seeded Dolphins were looking forward to meeting Western League rival Venice in the finals for the second time in three years. The Gondos defeated Palisades two out of three times this season--both wins coming on the Dolphins' home floor.
The #3-seeded Toreadors, however, had an agenda of their own. They arrived at Palisades' gym with a losing record (15-16-1) but a winning mentality.
"We've played a really tough schedule and ultimately I think that's helped us in the playoffs," Taft Coach Arman Mercado said. "We're used to having the crowd against us. We're used to facing strong teams. We do that every week in the West Valley League. If you have an off night, you're going to get beat."
Freshman outside hitter Katie Kaufman led the Dolphins with seven kills, senior outside hitter Emily Cristiano added five kills, senior libero Tait Johnson had three aces and eight digs, senior middle blocker Hannah Fagerbakke had three blocks and senior setter Lauren Gustafson had 28 assists.
Taft will play Venice for the City Division II championship on Saturday afternoon at Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles and Forrest predicted a close match: "If they pass that well and their girls step up like they did tonight, Taft has a good chance. They outplayed us. I have to give them credit."
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