Toreadors Prevail in Thrilling Five-Set Volleyball Match

WOODLAND HILLS – Sina Aghassy once played under Taft coaching legend and reigning city champion Arman Mercado. Aghassy, who modeled much of his program on Mercado’s, managed to defeat his former mentor Thursday in a five-set slugfest, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19, 19-25, 17-15. A mirror match from the opening serve, the two teams consistently traded body blows in a contest so tight the cumulative score after four sets stood dead even, 89-89.

Despite many assuming it’s a rebuilding year for the young Toreadors, Mercado was happy with the progress of his 19-8 squad, but admitted they are still learning how to win the tight ones. But to Mercado, it’s all about the postseason. “It doesn’t matter if we’re a 2-seed or a 7, you win three matches in the (open division) playoffs and you’re city champs.”

A volleyball player in red jumps to hit the ball over the net during a competitive match, with spectators in the background watching intently.

A volleyball player from Taft High School jumps to strike the ball as an opposing team attempts to block at the net during a match, with spectators in the background.

Taft opened strong behind setter Alexa Barajas, who kept the offense humming with precise feeds to outside hitters Laila Braimah and freshman phenom Janice Sanchies as the Toreadors took the first set.

Chatsworth didn’t back down, though, and found its rhythm in the second set. Setter Camilla Diaz orchestrated the offense, distributing the ball to outside hitter Addison Flores and the spark-plug Samantha Sikorski, who was everywhere, contributing with both kills and digs. The Chancellors rebounded to take the second set 25-22, leveling the match.

A volleyball player from Chatsworth prepares to set the ball while teammates look on, with a red and yellow gymnasium background.

A volleyball player from Chatsworth jumps to serve the ball during a match, surrounded by teammates and spectators on a colorful gymnasium bleacher.

Taft came out roaring in the third, holding the lead for most of the set. A pair of disputed calls had Aghassy vehemently pleading his case. While he didn’t sway the judges, it seemed to fuel his team. Libero Olivia Chouchanian (game-high 25 digs) delivered several highlight-reel saves, while Flores unleashed six kills in the set and the Chancellors turned the tables scoring 14 of the final 19 points to take the 3rd set and a 2-1 lead.

Momentum shifted again in the fourth as Taft’s defense rose to the occasion. Quinn Bolisay chipped in a pair of key digs, while Aralyn Flores anchored the back row with magnificent saves as part of a heroic 24-dig performance. Middle blocker Corey Fields got into the mix with 4 kills in the set and the back row held firm, helping the Toreadors force a fifth set.

A volleyball player in a red Taft jersey prepares to serve during a match, with a volleyball in hand and a focused expression.

A volleyball player in a black jersey jumps to set a ball at the net, with teammates and spectators visible in the background.

The deciding frame delivered the night’s fiercest exchanges. Neither team led by more than two at any stage as they alternated taking the lead. Chatsworth staved off three match points, led by two Flores’ clutch kills to propel their final swing.

Having the taste of victory ripped from their jaws, the weary Toreadors (on a back-to-back after a five-set loss against Granada), wilted in the face of a Chancellor squad that would just not buckle as they claimed the final two points to seal a 17-15 final set victory.

In typical West Valley fashion, this was a match that had everything: dazzling defense and thunderous kills. It also signaled the league is up for grabs and it’s going to be a dogfight all season long.

A volleyball match scene showing players from Taft and Chatsworth competing at the net, with a focus on an athlete jumping to spike the ball.

Braimah led Taft with 24 kills (adding 18 digs), while Barajas expert passing led to 48 assists. After the match, Mercado addressed how his team can learn to win these close ones: “They can lean on me. I’ve been there before.” While the Toreadors fell to 19-9 (1-2), once this young team gets some more experience they could spoil a lot of early plans.

For Aghassy, the win was a testament to his team’s resilience. “We just kept battling,” he said. “We’ve been in so many five setters this year, it was nice to use that experience to our advantage. I told the girls, it’s the wild, wild, west valley… just happy to come out on top tonight.” Chatsworth improved to 18-10 (3-1), moving into sole possession of third place in the West Valley League.

All photos by Benjamin Becher