By Brandon HENSLEY

Despite a rowdy environment and a pumped up Falcons squad Tuesday afternoon in the Crescenta Valley High gymnasium, the CV girls’ volleyball team couldn’t keep its hold on second place in the Pacific League as it dropped an important match to the Burroughs Indians in straight sets.

The Falcons put effort and emotion into the matchup, as each point seemed more important than any of the previous this season, but Burroughs walked away with a 25-18, 25-23, 25-17 win and a firm grip on second place, as the Indians have now swept the season series from Crescenta Valley.

Arcadia sits alone atop the league at 12-0, but this was CV’s chance to keep close enough with the Apaches to have any shot at them when the regular season ends on Tuesday. Instead, the Falcons dropped to 9-3 in league and may have to settle for third place – still good enough for a playoff spot – when it’s all over. Burroughs’ attack was too much for the Falcons. The Indians, after all, possess 6’4” Marin Grote, a University of Washington commit and the Pacific League player of the year last year.

CV has Patty Kerman, an all-league player herself, and valuable pieces in Elise Boyle,  Noor Alanizi and Marley Gang, but it wasn’t enough against the Indians. In all, CV did not win a single set against them this season.

There was a large contingent of CV students present on Tuesday to cheer on their team, but Burroughs’ fans and parents traveled as well, making the atmosphere a lively one.

After the second set many of the Falcon students began to head for the exits. Coach Kevin Boyke had a long talk with his Lady Falcons afterward, outside in the lobby near the locker room. It lasted for more than 10 minutes, as players put their arms around one another.

The Falcons have one more league battle before Arcadia, this one with Burbank, today at Burbank High School. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.

Football Update
The Falcon football team routed Pasadena High School last week, 49-13, maintaining its dominant streak this season. Crescenta Valley (6-1 overall, 4-0 in league) has won five straight games, winning with a suffocating defense and an efficient offense.

The win over Pasadena was the first time in four games the defense allowed more than 10 points. The Falcons recorded six sacks in the game.

Quarterback Cole Doyle was 15 of 19 for 192 yards passing and a touchdown. The team scored five rushing touchdowns, two apiece from Omri Edwards and Daniel Cho, and one from Joe Suh.

There are just three games left in the regular season. On Friday the Falcons are at Burroughs High to take on the Indians at 7 p.m.

CV is tied with Burbank for the league lead with 4-0 records. Arcadia and Burroughs are next with 3-1 records, so there is still much to be determined before it’s all over.

  Brandon Hensley