Fullerton’s state run ends in three sets
Fullerton’s girls volleyball season came to an end in the CIF Division 4 State Playoffs quarterfinals, where Castaic completed a three-set sweep and moved within two victories of a state championship. The Coyotes defeated Fullerton 25-22, 25-18 and 29-27, earning the first semifinal berth in program history.
The result gave Castaic its second consecutive sweep in the state tournament. The Coyotes had opened their playoff run by defeating San Pedro in straight sets before facing Fullerton in a match that became increasingly difficult for the visiting team as it progressed. For Fullerton, the quarterfinal represented a final opportunity to extend its postseason campaign, but Castaic’s late-set execution prevented the Red Hawks from forcing a fourth set.
| Set | Result | Match significance |
|---|---|---|
| First | Fullerton 22, Castaic 25 | Castaic rallied late |
| Second | Fullerton 18, Castaic 25 | Castaic created separation |
| Third | Fullerton 27, Castaic 29 | Castaic closed out the sweep |
A close opening set
The first set established the competitive pattern that would define the match. Castaic opened with a 7-3 lead, but Fullerton steadily recovered and tied the score at nine. The teams continued exchanging momentum, and Fullerton eventually moved ahead 19-17 late in the set.
Castaic answered with a decisive stretch, assembling enough points to take a 22-19 advantage. Fullerton mounted another challenge, but the Coyotes held on to win the opener 25-22. The narrow margin gave Castaic an early advantage while leaving Fullerton needing to respond immediately to keep the match from shifting toward a sweep.
Castaic gains control in the second
The second set began tightly, with the score tied at two before Castaic began to pull away. The Coyotes built a 12-5 lead through a sustained run. Fullerton did not concede the set, scoring six of the next eight points to cut the deficit to 14-11 and briefly restore pressure.
Castaic settled back into the match, rebuilt its lead and finished the set 25-18. With a 2-0 advantage, the Coyotes needed only one more set to advance, while Fullerton had to win three consecutive sets to keep its state title hopes alive.
Fullerton pushes the match to the finish
The third set produced the most dramatic sequence of the night. Fullerton came out aggressively and established a 4-0 lead, then maintained control through much of the set. The Red Hawks extended that advantage to 17-12, placing Castaic in its most difficult position of the match.
Rather than allowing the contest to reach a fourth set, Castaic began reducing the deficit. The Coyotes pulled within one point at 20-19 and then tied the set at 20. From there, the teams traded points in a tense finish. Neither side was able to create a lasting separation until Castaic secured the final margin, winning 29-27 and completing the sweep.
A first for Castaic
Castaic coach Taylor Schubert said the team was grateful for the chance to continue competing and excited to reach the next round. She also acknowledged that the Coyotes began the match with some early nerves before finding their rhythm.
The semifinal appearance is a milestone for Castaic’s program, which will now continue its pursuit of the CIF State Championship. Fullerton’s elimination closes the Red Hawks’ state playoff run after a match in which they challenged Castaic in every set, led for long stretches of the first and third and came within two points of extending the contest. The quarterfinal scoreline ultimately belonged to the Coyotes, but the final set showed how close Fullerton came to changing the direction of the match.
- Final result: Castaic defeated Fullerton, 3-0.
- Set scores: 25-22, 25-18 and 29-27.
- Next milestone: Castaic will play in the state semifinals for the first time in program history.
