Culver City High School’s girls volleyball team spiked their way into two record books – the CIF and their school.

They won their second consecutive CIF title, a thrilling five-set match last Saturday against arch-rival Santa Monica at Cerritos College, Norwalk.

Meanwhile, the Culver High football team, 10-1, will travel to Coachella Valley on Friday night for its second CIF playoff game at 7:30.

For perspective on the volleyball achievemenr, some athletes and coaches never win a championship.

“Winning again gives us a sense of relief,” said Coach Tanner Siegal after his team won three out of five sets.  “We knew expectations were high just like last year. But this time expectations were even higher.”

Coach Siegal wanted to win this championship for the city, the school, the fans and the team and especially for the four seniors, Lena Johnson, Jessica Stewart, Octavia Collins and Destiny Padilla.

“We had one try to get it right, and we wanted to send our four seniors out the right way,” said Coach Siegal

“The identity of this team is a complete reflection of the seniors.”

The 30-1 Centaurs’ next volleyball stop will be the State Tournament, which opens today in Central California at Exeter High, 28-12.

The State Tournament is another 32-team bracket.

“We have to win five more games to win State,” said Coach Siegal. “It’s going to be a tremendous challenge. We will be playing a lot of sectional champions.”

If they play as they did against Santa Monica, the Centaurs have a good chance of going deep into the tournament, possibly winning.

Against Santa Monica, both schools filled the Cerritos gym with loud fans.

“It was very intense,” said Coach Siegal. “We knew it was going to be competitive match because both teams know each other.

“You have to give Santa Monica a lot of credit,” he said. “They have an incredible program with great coaches.”

Coach Siegal is proud of being one of only three public schools that made it to the CIF finals.

“Our girls work hard throughout the year.  They left their hearts out on that court.”

Coach Siegal said assistant Eriko Gambol gets credit. “He has been with me for eight years. Together we implement new things every year.”

Coach Siegal complimented the fans.

“Culver City has a lot of class, and this championship was for everyone in Culver City,” he said.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com