PLEASANTON, CA – The Foothill High School boys’ volleyball team is peaking at the right time, continuing its impressive form with decisive sweeps over De La Salle and Amador Valley last week. The victories solidify Foothill’s position as a force within the East Bay Athletic League (EBAL), ending De La Salle’s previously undefeated league record in the process.
Foothill demonstrated its power against De La Salle, securing a 25-16, 25-23, 25-13 victory. The team’s offensive and defensive coordination was on full display, led by strong individual performances. Josh Salonga orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, adding 8 service points and 3 kills. Jeremy Sun was a key attacker, contributing 10 kills and 7 digs, even as Trey Elson added 8 kills and a block to the winning effort.
The momentum carried over into their rivalry match against Amador Valley, where Foothill earned a 25-9, 25-21, 25-17 win. Sun again led the charge, delivering a stellar performance with 14 kills at a .410 hitting percentage and 10 digs. Salonga continued to control the tempo with 31 assists and 7 kills, while Thomas Paduraru added 6 kills and 2 blocks. Rushil Vadada was a force from the service line, recording 15 service points, 9 digs, and 5 kills.
The Falcons’ strong week wasn’t limited to league play. They similarly competed in the Stockton tournament, achieving a 2-2 record in the top division. Victories came against Vanden and Clovis West, but they faced tough competition in losses to Valley Christian (San Jose) and Dublin. This mixed result in Stockton suggests a continued require for consistency as the season progresses.
Foothill’s success is particularly noteworthy given the competitive landscape of the EBAL. The league, comprised of high schools across the East Bay, is known for its strong athletic programs. The East Bay Athletic League has a long history, dating back to 1964, and consistently produces talented athletes.
The team now faces a challenging stretch of games, with upcoming matches against unbeaten San Ramon Valley and Dublin. These contests will be crucial in determining Foothill’s standing in the league and their potential for a playoff run. San Ramon Valley, currently undefeated in league play, will present a significant test for the Falcons.
Beyond the varsity action, Amador Valley’s junior varsity tennis team also enjoyed a successful week, securing 6-3 victories over both Dougherty Valley and Foothill. Arnav Mehta, Suvir Rao, Sameer Datta, and Thomas Chen secured singles wins against Dougherty Valley, while Henry Bull and Avij Asarwala, along with Akshaj Shandilya and Srikar Chidipotu, claimed victories in doubles play. Against Foothill, Bull, Samarth Mahapatra, and Rao won in singles, and the doubles teams of Mehta-Asarawala, Udi Singhall-Chidipotu, and Aryan Chawla-Erik Van Slyke completed the sweep.
The local sports community relies on consistent reporting of results, and a plea was issued for coaches and volunteers to submit their team’s scores promptly. Getting results published isn’t always easy, as the process depends on volunteer contributions. The deadline for submissions is noon each Sunday, allowing for timely coverage of local high school sports.
Submitting results is straightforward. Coaches or team volunteers can email scores, highlights (such as multiple hits or home runs in baseball/softball, or key performers in volleyball), and team rosters to [email protected]. Photos are also welcome, provided they are original and include athlete identification and photographer credit.
Foothill will appear to continue its winning ways as they prepare to face San Ramon Valley and Dublin. The team’s recent performances demonstrate their potential, and these upcoming matches will be a key indicator of their ability to contend for the league championship. The Falcons’ success hinges on maintaining the strong performances of players like Salonga, Sun, and Elson, as well as continued contributions from the entire roster.
The next few weeks will be critical for Foothill as they navigate a challenging schedule and strive to maintain their momentum. Fans can follow the team’s progress and find updated schedules and results through the school’s athletic website and local sports coverage.
What are your thoughts on Foothill’s impressive run? Share your predictions for their upcoming matches in the comments below!
