West Seattle 7th Graders Win City Volleyball Title

The Our Lady of Guadalupe School 7th-grade girls' volleyball team proved that heart and hustle can beat perfection.

The Lady Bulldogs claimed the All-City CYO Playoff Championship on Sunday night at Bishop Blanchet, defeating St. Joseph in straight sets, 25-22 and 25-20. The victory capped a remarkable playoff run that saw the West Seattle team win three straight elimination games.

The road to the championship wasn't easy. Coaches Lori Hinton and Patrick Lamb's squad entered the playoffs as underdogs with a 9-2 regular season record.

On Saturday, they faced their biggest test: top-seeded, undefeated St. Anne. The Lady Bulldogs pulled off the upset, proving they belonged in the finals.

The team's resilience showed in both championship sets. In the first, they held off St. Joseph 25-22, then closed out the match with a 25-20 victory to secure the title.

Why This Inspires

Coach Hinton summed up the team's philosophy perfectly: "Attitude determines altitude." Those three words capture what made this team special beyond their win-loss record.

The Lady Bulldogs didn't just win a championship. They showed their younger teammates what's possible when preparation meets opportunity.

The school's 6th-grade girls' varsity team advanced to the semifinals, falling just two points short in a thrilling three-set match. The 8th-grade boys also made the playoffs, showing the strength of volleyball culture at OLG.

Soon, a championship banner will hang in the Our Lady of Guadalupe gym. Every time the current 6th graders look up at it, they'll see proof that next year could be their turn.

For these 7th graders, the banner represents more than a season well played—it's a reminder that believing in yourself and your teammates can carry you all the way to the top.

#