The SCHS varsity girls volleyball team won for the first time in seven years against their cross-city rivals, the Wilcox Chargers, Tuesday night.

After narrowly losing the first set to the Chargers 22-25, the girls made the rest of the match go in their favor. They won the next three sets with scores of 25-13, 25-9, and 25-22, respectively.

Coach Noel Kwalick said that the win comes with even greater meaning to the girls. “We have not had this win over our rival team in a while,” Kwalick said. “This has always been both a program and individual team goal of ours, but this win is even more special being on our home court.”

Contributing to the win, according to Kwalick, was hitter Shaelan Murison, setter Shelby Paul, and especially hitter Ellie Mujushi.

“Mujushi was the one who was able to get us out of tough situations throughout the entire game,” Kwalick said.

This Bruin victory puts their league record at 4-1, while Wilcox’s record went to 1-3.

After the win, some players look forward to a successful remainder of the season. “This win is really exciting, since we haven’t been able to beat Wilcox in many years. It shows that we might even be able to win league this year,” Mujushi said.

Students and staff from SCHS and WHS attended the game and even participated in cheer battles to see which school was the loudest. The support from the crowd was much appreciated by the players.

“It was awesome that so many people came out to support us and see us make history, and they should come out again,” libero Katie Patterson added. “We unplugged the Chargers, and will continue to do so.”

The team’s next game will be away against Lynbrook on Tuesday, Oct. 13. As for the next SCHS vs. WHS encounter, the varsity football team will take on the Chargers this Friday, Oct. 9 at Wilcox High.