The Sylmar Spartans have a history of dominance in girls volleyball – a run that has been challenged in recent years by Valley Mission League rivals, including the Kennedy Golden Cougars and Reseda Regents. Friday afternoon’s 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-14) win over the Regents completed the Spartans’ first season sweep of them in four years, and their 3-2 win over Reseda last month ended a 6-match losing streak during that span.

Reseda started out with their signature tenacity that they’ve shown under coach Isebiu “Coach Boo” Reyes, holding a 3-6 advantage. The Spartans battled back with seven of the next eight points for a 10-7 lead forcing a Regents’ timeout. Sylmar took control of the set from there behind senior outside hitters Daniella Diaz, and Kaylyn Padilla and senior middle blocker Amyrna Pinckney. The Spartans outscored Reseda 15-5 the rest of the way with a Pinckney kill ending the opening set 25-12.

The teams traded points throughout the beginning of the second set leading to an eventual 10-10 tie. Even though the Spartans took a lead they would not relinquish, the Regents battled and stayed within four points for some time before eventually falling 25-17.

Sylmar looked to put Reseda away in the third set  when they jumped out to an 8-2 lead, forcing another time out. The fight within the Regents that has been a staple of this team was still there, but this Spartans team looks too similar to the dominant teams of previous years. Reseda was unable to string together runs of points and the senior anchors of Sylmar held down the fort, with senior defensive specialist Dana Sandoval sealing the match sweep with an ace.

Both teams return to action on the road Monday afternoon with Sylmar (12-5, 7-0) facing a challenge from Sun Valley Poly (12-4-2, 5-1) at 4:00pm, while Reseda (5-7, 1-5) faces Kennedy (16-11, 5-1).