Emerson Chong delivers the match-winning kill as the Bulldogs secure a convincing four-set victory over the Grizzlies
The Burbank High girls volleyball team continued its fast start to the season by defeating the Golden Valley Grizzlies in four sets (26-24, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18), with Emerson Chong delivering the match-winning kill. The Bulldogs and Grizzlies also faced each other over the weekend, playing to a tie on the final day of the Burbank High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Tournament.
Chong opened Tuesday’s match with its first kill, giving Burbank an early 1-0 lead. Golden Valley eventually built a commanding 20-12 advantage in the opening set, but the Bulldogs stormed back. Chong recorded back-to-back points to put Burbank ahead by one before Quinn Fisher hit the ball out of bounds, securing the Bulldogs’ 26-24 comeback victory.
The Grizzlies responded by opening the second set with a 7-1 scoring run, highlighted by three consecutive aces from Sophia Saris. Sam Yosh ended the run with a kill, but Golden Valley still held a 9-3 advantage. Behind contributions from Maddi Yosh, Sam Yosh and Farryn Hall, the Bulldogs battled back from a 20-13 deficit and pulled within two points. Golden Valley ultimately held on for a 25-23 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
Burbank came out firing in the third set, using a 9-2 run to establish early control. Chong, Hall, Maddi Yosh and Frankie Kim all contributed offensively as the Bulldogs built their lead. Golden Valley attempted to rally, but Burbank held on for a 25-21 victory to take a two-sets-to-one advantage.
Entering the fourth set, the Bulldogs were looking to close out the match, while the Grizzlies hoped to stay alive and force a decisive fifth set. Burbank once again controlled the action, earning a 25-18 victory before Chong sealed the match with the final kill.
Burbank improved to 6-2-3, while Golden Valley dropped to 2-8-3. The Grizzlies will complete the second half of a back-to-back when they face Trinity Classical Academy at 5 p.m. Burbank will return home to host Canyon on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 3:45 p.m.
