Marshall Girls Volleyball Tops San Marino, Clinches Playoff Berth

Thurgood Marshall Secondary School’s girls’ volleyball team delivered a memorable Senior Night performance, defeating San Marino High School in five sets to earn the Eagles’ first-ever victory over the Titans and secure a spot in the CIF Southern Section (CIF-SS) playoffs.

Playing on their home court in Pasadena, the Eagles battled through a dramatic match, winning 25-20, 28-26, 8-25, 23-25 and 16-14. The victory also secured third place in the Boulder League for Marshall.

Head coach Fred Nash called it the match of a lifetime for his players, who competed relentlessly against a well-coached San Marino squad. Marshall took the opening two sets, but the Titans responded by dominating the third set and narrowly winning the fourth to force a decisive fifth set.

Before the final set, Nash challenged his senior players to leave a lasting legacy while encouraging the younger athletes to begin building their own. Despite falling behind 10-5, the Eagles refused to give up. With San Marino one point away from victory at 14-13, Marshall rallied to claim the final three points and seal the historic win.

Senior Ashley Dominguez delivered a crucial ace during the closing rally, while Noelle Taylor and Asha-Kohli-Lynch contributed key block touches that helped pressure the Titans into errors.

Taylor led Marshall with 18 kills and three blocks, while Livsey Teems added 14 kills. Aida Movsisyan recorded 10 kills, 19 digs and four aces, and Harlem Castro contributed 32 digs and four aces. Dominguez finished with 32 assists and three aces.

The win improved Marshall’s record to 18-8 overall and 4-4 in league play, while San Marino fell to 25-9 overall and 6-2 in league competition.

Marshall will host South Pasadena in a nonleague match to close out the regular season before turning its attention to postseason competition.

Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, 990 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, (626) 396-5810 or visit https://marshall.pusd.us/.