Inside The VALT: October 21-26

Colin Beazley, Staff Writer

Third times the charm? It was a strange week for Viewpoint athletics, punctuated by the end of two successful seasons for Girls Tennis and Volleyball, and by the cancellation of the Homecoming Game. On the plus side, postseason play could be around the corner for football, and Cross Country looks to continue what’s becoming a tradition of success in league play.

Girls Volleyball

            The Girls Volleyball team started their playoff push on Thursday night in the PFAC against Foothill Tech, winning in three sets, much to the delight of a small but passionate Navy. The team advanced to the second round of CIFSS playoffs, which they played two days later, losing in three sets to Saddleback Valley Christian in San Juan Capistrano (16-25, 21-25, 20-25). The volleyball team finishes with a 19-11 overall record, including an 8-4 record in league play, resulting in a top-two league finish. The team will miss Seniors Deja Bickers, Jordan Moore, and Eleya Avery-Ault next year, but they return a strong core based around Junior Captain Trinity Stanger and freshman phenom Ava Gronemeyer. Congratulations on a great season!

Football

            The Patriot Football team fell victim to the Tick Fire on Friday, as air quality caused the cancellation of the much-anticipated Homecoming Game against Carpinteria. We will play under the lights against our league rival Brentwood on Friday night, with the game starting at seven at Brentwood. This game is crucial for the Patriots, as it will determine who finishes top of the Brentwood-Viewpoint-Campbell Hall trio, and a win vastly improves the chances of postseason play for the Pats. Come support against our rivals!

Cross Country

            The Cross Country team ran in the World’s Largest Cross Country Invitational last Friday, despite school’s cancellation, putting up strong results at the Mount SAC Invitational. Seniors Ronnie Orosky and Thomas Matthew medalled, as the boys team finished in third in Division Five. Senior Lizzie Scott finished 8th overall in her race, as much of the Girls Team participated in their first ever varsity races. This meet truly showed how far the program has progressed over the season, as numerous personal records were set. On Wednesday, the Cross Country program travels to Lancaster for the fourth league meet of the season. Lets go Pats!

Girls Tennis

            The Girls Tennis team’s season ended on Wednesday with a close match against Crossroads, coming up just short by an 8-10 scoreline. However, two members of the Girls Varsity team are going on to represent Viewpoint in the Gold Coast League Individual Tournament, as doubles team KJ Eilenberg (’20) and Dylan Armour (’21) will play against the other best tandems from across the league. The tournament starts Tuesday at 2:00 at Brentwood, so best of luck to the tennis team!

Equestrian

Viewpoint’s equestrian team participated in their first show of the year on Sunday at the Hansen Dam. Although full results for the first Interscholastic Equestrian League meet of the year will not be available until Wednesday, we do know that Shea Smith (’22) finished in 3rd in her freshman equitation flat class, Chase Schetter (’20) finished 2nd, 3rd and 6th in the Novice Over Fences, and Freshman Vivian Grundel finished in 1st, 5th, and 11th in the Novice Division. Equestrian competes year round, and their next show is not until January 12, 2020. For more information on Saturday’s meet and full results when they are released on Wednesday, visit http://www.theiel.org.

“The Volleyball team had an amazing season, and we couldn’t be more proud to have cheered them on at all of these games. The Senior leadership on the tennis team was incredible, and it was clear through the support and fans at their senior night. We are so excited for the Football game against Brentwood, and we hope that as many people can make it out to enjoy the last regular season football game of the year” – Eli Kreshek ’20, Navy Captain