GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks defeated the Galt Warriors 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 27-25) in a crosstown volleyball matchup that proved more competitive than the final score suggests, particularly in a nail-biting third set that showcased both teams’ determination.

While Liberty Ranch controlled the first two sets, Galt found its rhythm in the finale, pushing the Hawks to the brink before falling 27-25 in what became a back-and-forth battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.

“I was so impressed with our girls’ performance tonight,” said Galt coach Jennifer Sanchez. “The team kept their energy level up and their team spirit, especially with a 27-25 finish, shows the resilience of this squad. It was a tense, back-and-forth final set; our defense held strong but it didn’t go our way.”

 

Liberty Ranch Senior Haley Smith goes up for one of her 17 kills.

The statistical story revealed contrasting team strengths. Liberty Ranch’s balanced offensive attack generated 33 kills compared to Galt’s 21, led by senior Haley Smith’s match-high 17 kills on a .250 hitting percentage. The Hawks’ offensive efficiency showed in their .093 team hitting percentage vs. Galt’s -.016.

For the Warriors, sophomore Zoey Sanchez emerged as the offensive catalyst with nine kills and a team-leading three aces, while junior Morgan Jones added six kills and contributed significantly at the net with four total blocks.

“I think the energy on the sidelines and on the court was a huge difference, and we were talking a lot more,” said Sanchez when asked about her team’s improved play. “Yeah, props to the setters, because their sets were really, really good today.”

 

Galt’s Shayla China goes low for a dig.

The defensive battle told an interesting story, with Liberty Ranch recording 75 digs to Galt’s 53. Hawks senior Haley Smith led all players with 21 digs, while teammate Lily Pittman added 18. For Galt, junior Maliah Phulmati anchored the back row with 11 digs while also distributing 14 assists as the team’s primary setter.

Liberty Ranch’s serving game proved decisive, recording seven aces with a 94.8% serving percentage compared to Galt’s three aces and 83.0% efficiency. Junior Maritza Arevalo led the Hawks with three aces and perfect serving while also contributing 26 assists to run the offense.

Despite facing adversity, Liberty Ranch coach Taryn Oberle was pleased with her team’s resilience.

 

Hawk Lily Pittman returns a serve.

“Our team is dealing with a ton of adversity right now, so we kind of have to come together and work hard to figure out something that would work for the benefit of the whole team in such a short window of time,” Oberle said. “I think that the girls pushed through tonight. They dug themselves a little hole, but they got right back out of it and kept playing hard.”

Oberle also praised her crosstown rivals’ improvement.

“We definitely saw more challenge from the Galt High varsity team this year from previous years, and that was a pleasant surprise. We always love to see programs getting stronger, and we love having good competition out on the court.”

The match showcased the growing competitiveness of both programs, with Galt’s spirited third-set performance suggesting brighter days ahead for the Warriors, while Liberty Ranch’s ability to close out tight matches demonstrates its championship potential.