A BATTLE BEGINS THE BIG VIII SEASON

September 11, 2026

Written by Brad Peters

CORONA: The girls volleyball team wrapped up their pre-season with an impressive 16-2 record and rolled into the first of the Big VIII League contests Thursday on the court of Corona High. While pressed by the Panthers, King continued their winning ways with a 3-2 victory. (25-22, 18-25, 25-19, 19-25, 17-15)

“Tonight’s game was a battle!” said head coach Michael Tongg after the see-saw match that saw the two opponents change victories before the Wolves pulled it out in the 5th and final set, 17-15.

“A goal we set in the beginning of the year was to make the playoffs this year,” he added. “With this first win in league we have gotten one step closer to reaching one of our big goals. I am excited for the girls and we are proud of them for what they have accomplished tonight.”

“There were a few key moments that stood out to me,” said assistant coach Faith Cockerham. “Leina Cadena had some great blocks and swings as the Middle that revved up our players, and Brielle Thompson had a great pancake save. And Kaylie Downs was able to put the ball over the net during a scrappy rally that caught Corona off guard that ended up being a kill.”

Jael Moore led the charge with 15 Kills, Sam Miller had 13 Kills to go with 14 Digs. Brielle Thompson had 7 Kills, 6 Aces, 13 Digs and 22 Assists, while Brooklyn Nielsen and Kaylie Downs had 14 Digs a piece.

It was a true team effort. One player who excelled was Arianna Chavez who went in to sub for Madison Lenew in the Middle. Immediately she made a difference with getting block touches to help out the defense.

“As well as going up and swinging with all she had to get the team points when we needed it,” said assistant coach Gabby Dahle, “she was a high energy spark plug that helped push her teammates to do better and give everything they had.”

With the first league win in the books — and with the preseason completed — it would be easy perhaps for the team to think the big goal is already in the bag. “We continued to play well tonight,” Tongg said, “but we need to continue to keep up our energy and fight for each other. We need to continue to have a high level of energy and play at our speed. If we can minimize our mistakes and capitalize on our strengths.”

Brooklyn Nielsen said after the match that “being able to handle the pressure” will be key going forward. Indeed, as any winning team can attest, one downside to a winning record is the pressure often its companion. At 17-2, the Wolves are winning a lot, and staying the course will remain paramount.