Brawley wins IVL Volleyball outright for first time since 2017

The Wildcats defeated the Vikings three sets to one to secure the Imperial Valley League Volleyball crown

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) - The Brawley Wildcats defended their home court to secure the Imperial Valley League Volleyball crown against the Holtville Vikings Thursday night in the Wildcat's Den.

The win marked the Wildcats first outright league victory for the first time since 2017.

Brawley started hot, winning the first set 25-19, but Holtville would storm back in the second set, jumping out to an early lead. The Wildcats would close the gap a little but fall 25-19 in the second frame.

The third set was all Brawley, as they took a commanding lead and rolled to a 25-13 victory.

The Vikings jumped to an early lead in the fourth set, but the Wildcats were relentless, eventually stealing the momentum back from the Holtville crowd en route to a 25-21 win.

Senior Libero Sophie Ruiz said they were able to come back in the fourth set because they were playing as a team.

"Before this game, we told each other that we were going to play for each other, and I think that's exactly what we did tonight, and I think that's what carried us through that fourth set," Ruiz said. "I'm really proud of each and every single one of my teammates because this is a feeling that's unmatchable."

With this game marking the end of the regular season, both Brawley and Holtville will turn their attention to the CIF San Diego Section Playoffs.