For the M-A girls volleyball team, the fourth time was the charm. After three consecutive years of losing the CCS Division I championship match, the Bears finally took home the trophy, sweeping Homestead in three sets on Saturday night at Independence High School.

The Bears entered the final match determined to end the second place streak after a hard fought victory over Salinas in the semis. With reigning state champions Palo Alto knocked out in the quarterfinals, the match was an entirely different ball game.

Homestead came out determined too. They lead the Bears by five points two times during the first set, at 10-5 and 16-11, but M-A managed to tie it up at 18 all with a kill from junior Pauli King and take the set 25-22.

Seemingly settled into a groove, the Bears lead the Mustangs for the majority of the second set, and won 25-22 on a triumphant block from senior Ali Spindt.

Spindt contributed 10 kills, 12 digs, and 22 assists over the course of the match. Paired with King, who recorded a team-high of 11 kills and 11 digs, and Doherty, who had six kills, 11 digs, and 16 assists, the Bears were unstoppable.

M-A snagged an early 10-5 advantage in the third set with momentum on their side. They managed to maintain this comfortable lead, and a kill from Spindt brought the crowd to their feet for match point. The Bears put it down, giving them a 25-20 victory over the Mustangs.

“It feels amazing to finally win CCS,” says King, “The team has worked so hard this season and it was incredible to see our dedication pay off. State here we come!”

As they advance to CIF NorCal playoffs with the No. 4 seed, the Bears have their sights set on State Championships. They will host the first playoff game on Tuesday, November 20th.