One of a kind — California high school volleyball teams play match on football field, under lights, ferris wheel

Campbell Hall's Homecoming match is packed, but state's No. 3 team Sierra Canyon wins in three games

An overview of Saturday's truly original girls volleyball match at Campbell Hall's football field as the Vikings host Sierra Canyon on Homecoming. / Photo: Heston Quan

Updated, 10/1/2024 6 p.m.

In the record books, it will go down as a nondescript nonleague girls volleyball match in the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Section.

But anyone who attended Sierra Canyon's 25-17, 25-16, 25-13 victory at Campbell Hall in North Hollywood Saturday will tell you it was much, much more.

"It was a once in a high school time experience," Sierra Canyon coach Stefanie Wigfall said.

The match was billed as the first of its kind in Southern California because it was played outdoors under the lights on the campus' football field.

And to celebrate Campbell Hall's Homecoming festivities, the backdrop included a full fledge carnival with ferris wheel and all. The contest was packed with fans.

"It was all so well put together," Wigfall said. "From the lights to the sunset to the ferris wheel, it was sorta beyond our wildest imagination."

• CALIFORNIA VOLLEYBALL: Latest state ranking

Sierra Canyon, ranked second in the state according to SBLive Sports, probably wished it had dropped a game or two to lengthen the event.

Not only was it a cool experience, but it was literally cool with temperaturs dipping into the low 60s. That caused some moisture on the temporary bright pink and blue sport court that was laid on the field, leading to a few delays while it was dried up with towels.

The only hiccup in the smooth event was the moisture from the cool air that dampened the floor at times, that had to be occasionally dried. Otherwise the night was about perfect, Wigfall said.

Sierra Canyon has been led all season by high-flying sophomore Hanna McGinest who leads the team with 243 kills, while senior Deavan Antoine-Dillon and sophomore Eva Jeffries have 228 apiece. Another sophomore setter Lucky Fasavalu leads the team in assists and senior Lauren Lynch and sophomore Olive Shum share the team in digs with 269.

"We weren't really sure what to expect playing outdoors so we made some adjustments," Wigfall said. "There was a little breeze. We played a little more conservative than normal. But the girls played great."

Campbell Hall's coaching staff, led by head coach Kathleen Thyer and assistant Nicole Efseaff, work with Wigfall during the club season at CITY Volleyball Club, so it was a natural to invite the Trailblazers. Afterward the teams took a team picture together with more than 30 individuals including players, coaches and support staff.

"We were just honored to be a part of it," Wigfall said.

The Trailblazers improved to 21-2 while Campbell Hall dropped to 10-9.

Enjoy the vibrant photos by Heston Quan

A Campbell Hall player goes high for a kill in the Sept. 29 2024 girls volleyball match with Sierra Canyon. / Photo: Heston Quan

Campbell Hall freshman Maya Harris bumps the ball during her team's homecoming match played outdoors on the school's football field against Sierra Canyon on Sept. 29, 2024. / Photo: Heston Quan

Sierra Canyon sophomore setter Lucky Fasavalu sets the ball with the ferris wheel in the background during her team's three-game sweep at Campbell Hall's creative Homecoming match outdoor on the school's football field on Sept. 29, 2024 / Photo: Heston Quan

Sierra Canyon high-flying sophomore Hanna McGinest puts down a ball from the backrow during her team's three-game sweep at Campbell Hall's festive Homecoming match. / Photo: Heston Quan

Campbell Hall freshman Kate Williams with a pass during her team's three-game Homecoming loss to Sierra Canyon Sept. 28 in North Hollywood / Photo: Heston Quan

Sierra Canyon sophomore setter Olive Shum with perfect form during her team's three-game sweep at Campbell Hall on Sept. 28, 2024. / Photo: Heston Quan

Campbell Hall sophomore Lailaa Williams goes up against a Sierra Canyon block during Saturday's festive outdoor Homecoming match. / Photo: Heston Quan

Despite this kill from junior OH Kapri Garnett, Campbell Hall's girls volleyball team (pink) dropped a three-game match to state power Sierra Canyon. / Photo: Heston Quan

Sierra Canyon sophomomre Hanna McGinest shows off her hops and orange shoes during Saturday's wildly entertaining match at Campbell Hall. / Photo: Heston Quan

Both Sierra Canyon (blue) and Campbell Hall pose after a truly historic and eventful girls volleyball event on Sept. 28, 2024 in North Hollywood. / Photo: Heston Quan