After an intense and decisive game against its rival Balboa, the team is now undefeated with a 6-0 record. The first match was a rally; both teams stood their ground and returned each hit with a more fervent blow. Going into overtime, the Cardinals managed to score two crucial points that turned the tide. “At one point we exchanged eight hits before we got the point,” freshman Erica Lei said. “They (the Balboa Buccaneers) are consistent and have good defense.”

The first set ended 28-26 and the lead was determined earlier on in the second set, which concluded with the Buccaneers nine points behind. The Cardinals were at a disadvantage because they had a week without practice prior to their game against Balboa. “We were unprepared at first, so we were really warming up,” Lei said. “By the second set, we were playing our game.”

On Oct. 20, the Pumas scored a mere two points under the tight defense of the Cardinal claws. The team routed its opponent again in the second match; the finals scores were 25-2 and 25-6. “We are short but dominating,” freshman captain and setter Gianna Braganza said. “We hit harder than many teams, train to be all-around players and just keep getting better.”

Come support the Cardinals at 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 2 on our home court against the Galileo Lions.