Vikings beat Bears in three sets

DOWNEY - The Downey High School Lady Vikings volleyball team improved their overall record to 12-6 and league record to 2-0 after defeating cross-town rival Warren in three sets 25-20, 25-15 and 25-19 last Thursday at home.They also defeated Gahr in three sets 25-16, 25-20 and 25-14 on Tuesday. Downey is the reigning back-to-back C.I.F. Division II-A champion and this year has stepped up to compete in C.I.F. Division II-AA. The Lady Vikings were led in both games by Joy Miley, Kimberly Schnars, Melody Burdette and all-C.I.F standout and outside hitter Makayla Taylor. Taylor made her return to the line-up Thursday night after a serious knee injury she suffered in the Lady Vikings run to the C.I.F. title in soccer last season. With the return of Taylor, the Lady Vikings are now "whole again" according to Coach Sims. The focus is now on league play and getting better each day. The Lady Vikings were 10-0 in San Gabriel Valley League play last year and are looking to duplicate that accomplishment this year. The pieces now appear in place as Downey starts their run. The Downey-Warren volleyball match was called "Dig Pink" night where the proceeds of the match went to finding a cure for breast cancer. The two teams have raised $17,000 the past two years and proceeds go to the Sideout Foundation. Downey traveled to Paramount on Oct. 4 (score unavailable at press time), will host Dominguez on Tuesday, travel to Lynwood on Thursday and have their rematch against cross-town rival Warren at Warren on Oct. 16. Things are certainly heating up in San Gabriel Valley League play.

********** Published: October 4, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 25