A rowdy crowd shouted and voiced support of the players locked in competition on the Point Loma High School gym’s polished hardwood floor on Nov. 9. A group of students — boys and girls — stood on the top row of the bleachers with exposed midsections painted to spell out the words “G-O P-O-I-N-T-E-R-S.” The girls’ volleyball team responded and showed the crowd why the squad is on the upswing, treating spectators to the team’s domination of Hilltop High during a CIF Division II first-round playoff match. Pumped up by their boisterous supporters, the Lady Pointers dispatched their South Bay foes in three sets by scores of 25-15, 27-25 and 25-9. Then, on Nov. 12, the girls advanced further with a convincing straight-sets win on the road against Steele Canyon High by scores of 25-23, 25-19 and 25-17 — setting up a scheduled semi-final match against league foe Scripps Ranch on Nov. 16. Under first-year coach Davis Ransom, the Lady Pointers have made giant strides, infecting the student body with a new level of enthusiasm in the volleyball realm. “Last year, they had nine wins. This year, we have 18,” said Ransom. “We played the toughest schedule [PLHS has] had here in years, and it’s helped us a lot.” In addition to the tough overall schedule, the Lady Pointers play in arguably the toughest league in the county. The Western League is dominated by two-time state champion Cathedral Catholic (10-0 in league, 26-9 overall). The Pointers finished fifth in the six-team league (3-7, 18-16) but feel they are getting stronger with each match. “Our confidence is going up and up as the season draws to a close,” said Ransom, “and we’re playing our best ball. I’m really happy with where the team is at and how hard they are working.” Ransom credits his seven seniors, each of whom has played three varsity seasons, for much of the team’s success. Kill opportunities are shared by 5’10″ senior Sierra Brown and 6’1″ junior Taryn Smith, who have 218 combined. “Both [players] are super aggressive,” Ranson said, noting that Brown (79 digs) received All-League second-team honors, while Smith (181 serves received) received honorable mention. Senior setter Jordy Checkal “has been huge for us,” Ransom said. “She’s done a fantastic job running the offense (266 assists, 66 digs) and makes great decisions.” Nina Kuhr, another senior, “is twice the player now than she was early in the season,” Ransom said. “She gives us a legitimate middle attack, which is huge,” and leads the team with 29 blocks. Assessing senior Kaylee Bruhn, Ransom singled out “an awesome late-season push, with great blocking skills.” Of senior Madi Friel’s contributions, Ransom said, “she is a super-steady, hard-working Libero player (266 serves received) who dedicated herself to being one of the best in the county.” Seniors Haylee Rea and McKenna Doyle “are real assets to the team. Haylee is an excellent back-row player and McKenna is a super-dedicated team player and talented middle blocker,” accorRansom said. Junior Christina King “has been awesome hitting from the left side,” Ransom added. Other juniors are Alex Elson, Megan O’bierne, Olivia Wilson, Elise Waelder and Brianna Smith. Sophomores include Caroline Wade and Mia Sakasegawa. Ransom gave a tip of the hat to growing support of his program by the community. “We’ve changed the whole culture of volleyball and made it really important to the school,” he said.