By Pete Borello

Prep Volleyball Report

he Los Altos High volleyball team remained perfect last week, running its record to 8-0 with a straight-game win over Woodside Priory.

The Eagles, who opened their season by capturing the Milpitas Spikefest I Tournament, have won all but one of their matches in straight games.

So, what’s behind the team’s best start in Jason Mansfield’s four years as coach?

“We have girls who don’t like to lose,” Mansfield said, “and they fight to the bitter end.”

Los Altos proved that in the first game of its Sept. 12 match against Woodside Priory (2-2), the defending Division V state champions. The Eagles rallied from a 14-11 deficit to beat the visiting Panthers 16-14.

“The girls showed a lot of heart and never gave up,” Mansfield said. “They made big plays on defense and served real tough.”

Los Altos carried this momentum into the second game, cruising to a 15-3 win. The Eagles closed the match with a 15-6 victory.

Outside hitter Ashley Bjorklund led Los Altos with a match-high six kills and setter Kristen Luxton had five.

“It was really a team effort,” Mansfield said. “All 12 players contributed and played well.”

Los Altos will have to play extraordinarily well this week to keep its undefeated record intact.

The Eagles opened SCVAL De Anza Division play Tuesday at Los Gatos, the reigning Central Coast Section Division III champion. At 7 p.m., Thursday, Los Altos hosts St. Francis, ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Spartans rout Prospect

Behind strong play from seniors Anna Carlstone and Kelsey Finkelstein, host Mountain View defeated Prospect 15-11, 15-1, 15-6 on Sept. 11.

Middle blocker Carlstone “had an outstanding match” with 14 kills, Spartans coach Peter Kim said, and setter Finkelstein recorded 30 assists.

Mountain View also got key contributions from outside hitters Colleen Schumacher and Rose Wei, a freshman, who added seven kills each.

“We played really well,” Kim said. “Our ball control was really good and our defense was good. The whole team is coming together and playing as a team.”

The Spartans (3-4), opened SCVAL El Camino Division play Tuesday against Homestead and travel to Cupertino Thursday for a 7 p.m. match.

Titans take second

Gunn had what coach Evan Barth called “a rather successful weekend,” finishing second in the 11-team Lynbrook Tournament.

The Titans went 4-2 in the tourney, posting wins against Piedmont Hills, St. Lawrence, Prospect and Aptos. Monta Vista defeated Gunn 15-5, 15-7 in Saturday’s championship match.

Setter Sarah Walatka of Los Altos Hills had 68 assists over the six matches; middle blocker Liz Johnson made 26 kills.