Burbank upsets Sun Valley Magnet in a five-set thriller 

Published by

Lorenzo Antonio

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Anya Oganian records the game-winning kill to give the Bulldogs the upset win

Volleyball players in blue jerseys practice in a gymnasium, with one player serving the ball and others preparing in the background.
A group of volleyball players in blue uniforms practice in a gymnasium, with one player preparing to hit the ball as it is tossed into the air.
Burbank Bulldogs volleyball players warming up in a gymnasium with scoreboard displaying the game score.
A group of young female volleyball players in blue jerseys practice in a gymnasium, with one player serving a volleyball during warm-ups.
Sun Valley Magnet volleyball team members stretch in the gym, preparing for their match.
A group of Burbank Bulldogs volleyball players in blue uniforms warming up on the court before a match.
A group of female volleyball players in blue uniforms huddled together on the court, discussing strategies during a break in a match. The gymnasium features a basketball hoop and blue wall panels.
Volleyball players warming up in a gymnasium before a match, with a scoreboard displaying 0-0.
Girls' volleyball team in blue uniforms practicing in a gymnasium, with players tossing and setting volleyballs.
A volleyball team lined up on the court before the game, showcasing players in blue uniforms. The scoreboard shows a score of 41 for the home team and 0 for the guest team.
Indoor volleyball court with a net, scoreboard displaying 0-0, and players warming up. Spectators are seated in the background.
Volleyball players in blue jerseys practice in a gym, with one player about to serve the ball while others prepare.

The Burbank Bulldogs pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season to take down Sun Valley Magnet in five sets (25-19, 19-25, 18-25, 25-17, 17-15) behind the game-winning kill by Anya Oganian. Burbank came off a sweeping loss to Flintridge Sacred Heart back on Monday. This was Sun Valley Magnet’s first game of the season as the defending Central Valley League champions. Last season, the Pioneers finished with a 14-12-1 overall record and a 12-0 record in Central Valley League play. The Pioneers also had an appearance in the CIF City Section D3 Playoffs and lost to Arleta in the second round. 

A volleyball player jumps to spike the ball during a match in a sports gymnasium, with teammates and opponents in the background.
A volleyball game in progress, with players from both teams positioned on the court. One player in a blue jersey prepares to set the ball while others are ready for play. A scoreboard and seating area can be seen in the background.
A volleyball game in progress with players from both teams on the court. One player in blue is jumping to hit the ball over the net while teammates are positioned nearby. The gymnasium features blue walls and a court with the school logo.
A volleyball team in white uniforms huddles together on the court, discussing strategies during a break in the game.

Diana Khalikova helped the Pioneers jump out to a 2-0 lead to start the opening set. Both teams kept it a competitive contest for the first part of the opening set, until the Bulldogs took control with Maddi Yosh, Lorin Azizan, Eva Snyder, and Emerson Chong contributing with points. Burbank took the first set 25-19. 

A volleyball player sets the ball during a game in a gymnasium, with players from both teams in action.
A volleyball player wearing a blue jersey prepares to serve the ball during a game, while a teammate stands in the background.
A volleyball match in a gym, featuring players in blue and white uniforms engaged in play, with the net visible and spectators in the background.
A volleyball match in progress at a gym. Players in blue uniforms are positioned on one side of the net, with one player preparing to hit the ball while others are poised for defense.
A volleyball game in progress, with players from both teams actively participating on the court under a gymnasium's ceiling.
Volleyball game in progress between Burbank Bulldogs and Sun Valley Magnet, featuring players in blue and white uniforms on the court.

The Pioneers started set two by going on a 5-2 scoring run as Katrin Kirakosian and Evelyn Martinez helped with the scoring. The Bulldogs then closed the gap with Lorin Azizan recording a kill to make it a two-point game. Sun Valley Magnet retained control of the set and went on to take on the second set by a final score of 25-19. 

Burbank Bulldogs volleyball team huddled together on the court, strategizing before a game.
A group of volleyball players in white uniforms huddle near the net while a coach gives instructions in a gymnasium.
A volleyball team in blue uniforms prepares for a match in a gymnasium, with one player holding a volleyball and others gathered along the sidelines.

The Bulldogs started the third set by getting a free point with the Pioneers committing a lifting violation. Kathrine Melara then tied the score at one with a kill. It was all Pioneers throughout set three, with Ashley Martinez ending the set with an ace to give Sun Valley Magnet a 25-18 win in set three. 

Volleyball teams celebrating during a match at a gymnasium, with players in blue and white jerseys on the court.
The Burbank Bulldogs volleyball team lines up on the court, with players in blue jerseys preparing for a match. A player wearing number 16 is holding a volleyball, while teammates and coaches are positioned on the sidelines.
A volleyball player leaps to make a game-winning kill during a match, with teammates and spectators in the background.

Both teams had different questions heading into the fourth set, with Burbank looking to force a fifth set and Sun Valley Magnet looking to close out the game in four. The Bulldogs started the set by going on a 5-1 scoring run with Anya Oganian and Emerson Chong both playing a part in the offense. Chong had three kills, and Chloe Gallagher had three aces to help Burbank come away with a 25-17 win over Sun Valley Magnet to force a fifth set. 

Players from the Burbank Bulldogs and Sun Valley Magnet volleyball teams compete during a game in a gymnasium.
Action shot of a volleyball game featuring players in blue and white jerseys. A player in blue is about to receive a pass while teammates look on. The image is set in a gymnasium with a volleyball net.

To start the final set, the Bulldogs started off the final set with another 5-1 scoring run with Chong, Oganain, and Gabriella Jarrah playing a part in Burbank’s fast start. The Bulldogs continued to try to pull away in the fifth set, but the Pioneers showed why they were a defending league champion. Katherine Melara cut the Bulldog lead to three, and then Burbank gave two points away to allow Sun Valley Magnet to tie the score at 12. Chong later scored a clutch kill to tie it at 15. The Pioneers were caught with a double-tapping violation to set up the winning point for the Bulldogs. Oganian won the game for the Bulldogs with a game-winning kill on the assist by Gabreilla Jarah to seal the upset victory for Burbank over Sun Valley Magnet. 

A high school volleyball match scene, showing two players from the Burbank Bulldogs team in blue jerseys preparing for a play, with a scoreboard displaying the score in the background.
A volleyball match in an indoor gym featuring players from the Burbank Bulldogs and Sun Valley Magnet, gathered around the net during a break in play.

Burbank improves to 3-7, and Sun Valley Magnet falls to 0-1. Both teams will play the second of the back-to-back as Burbank will host Flintridge Prep at 3:45 p.m., and Sun Valley Magnet will host Community Charter at 3:30 p.m.

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