VALENCIA — How many ways can “Side out!” be yelled or chanted?
Just ask Crescenta Valley’s girls volleyball team, whose leader of the spirited squad is junior setter Claire Kim.
Side out is a term in volleyball that refers to the act of a team winning a point, receiving the ball, and earning the right to serve.
“We try to take our favorite songs,” Kim said. “We parody them and remix them into side out cheers.”
With a combination of spirit and back-row stability, the chants and play of Kim and 5-foot-2 senior outside hitter Casandra Lim turned the tide for Crescenta Valley as it rallied to stun Saugus in five sets, 25-22, 15-25, 22-25, 25-20, 16-14, on Monday.
“That was all Claire,” Lim said. “She’s been the biggest support on our team.”
Every note was needed and every point earned as Crescenta Valley (14-4) prevailed after losing to Saugus in five sets last season. The two programs are nonleague opponents who, before 2024, hadn’t played each other since 2012.
Saugus (19-6-1) was led by Kimora Hogains, who entered Monday’s match with the 10th most kills in California this season.
Crescenta Valley senior middle blocker Evie Lutz made a rhythmed leap and used both palms to meet Saugus sophomore Charlotte Bird at the net to block and score the last point of the match.
Lutz credited Crescenta Valley coach Matt Simons for her timed block that sealed the team’s sixth consecutive win dating back to Sept. 5.
“He told me to get up early,” Lutz said. “It’s really gratifying that I got that block. I’ve been meaning to get up early. It was a quick play, and it was so fun.”
Lutz’s love for volleyball started when she was 9 and peppering the volleyball in the backyard with her uncle Matt. The back-and-forth during family exchanges evolved into a consistent love for the sport.
Lutz has played club volleyball since she was in the seventh grade.
When Crescenta Valley needed one final point, Lutz was there with a chorus of screaming and chants behind her.
“My team has a really great connection,” Lutz said. “Everyone is really close, and when one person brings energy, we all bring the energy. I have a really encouraging team, so when they cheer me on, it gives me energy.”