Bulldogs’ 9-2 run in the fourth set seals Crest League win
The Burbank Bulldogs finished strong against the Glendale Nitros, using a 9-2 run to open the fourth set and secure a 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 25-9 victory in Crest League volleyball action.
Glendale entered the match following a four-set win over crosstown rival Hoover. Burbank was looking to rebound after going 0-4 at the Crescenta Valley tournament, where the Bulldogs fell to Venice, Village Christian, Maranatha and Kennedy.
Alique Krikorian opened the scoring with a block, and a Burbank error gave Glendale an early 2-0 lead in the first set. The Bulldogs answered with a 9-2 run, fueled by contributions from Gabby Jarrah, Emerson Chong, Sam Yosh, and Hailey Kim. Burbank took control and claimed the opener, 25-21.
The second set featured a tight battle, with neither team able to establish a clear advantage. Rebekah Cruz delivered the set-ending kill to give Glendale a 25-23 win and even the match at one set apiece.
The third set was another close contest as the teams traded points. Burbank ultimately edged Glendale, 25-23, when Harmony Cawit’s hit went out of bounds, putting the Bulldogs ahead two sets to one.
Burbank carried that momentum into the fourth set, opening with a 9-2 run behind Farryn Hall, Chong, Madi Yosh, Jarrah and Sam Yosh. The Bulldogs maintained control from there, and Chong capped the match with a kill to secure a commanding 25-9 finish.
“Even though we lost, I thought the girls gave it their all, and I was proud of the way they stuck together as a team,” Glendale interim coach Kristina Carbajal said. Carbajal also praised Cruz’s ability to deliver points in key moments, including her set-ending kill in the second set.
“It was rough in set two, but after we cleaned up things, the girls found a way to get momentum back in sets three and four,” Burbank coach Sabriana Sullivan said. Sullivan credited the Bulldogs for regaining control over the final two sets after dropping the second.
Burbank improved to 11-13-2 overall and 4-1 in Crest League play. Glendale fell to 4-3 overall and 3-3 in Crest League action. Both teams return to action Thursday, October 1. Glendale faces the Blair Vikings, while Burbank takes on the Muir Mustangs. Both matches are scheduled for 4 p.m.
