SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The St. Francis volleyball team is prepping this week for the annual Holy Court matchup at Christian Brothers by turning up the volume, literally. The St. Francis Gym has become a concert zone with the team practicing to loud music to simulate the crowd noise expected Thursday at CB.
“It is so much fun,” said senior Ali Koumelis about the atmosphere at the Holy Court game. “It is so nerve-wracking and it is so loud you cannot hear yourself think.”
The teams meet on Thursday starting with the freshmen at 4 p.m. with the JV and varsity to follow. The game is expected to be a sellout.
“It is a great rivalry and tradition,” said Koumelis. “It is always the best game of the year other than the state playoffs.”
Ranked fourth in the state and 31st in the nation according to MaxPreps, the Troubadours (14-3) have won each of the last four meetings in the rivalry. Christian Brothers is 10-2 on the season.
“It is really important,” said Koumelis. “This game is not worth anything other than bragging rights and winning. Especially in my senior year I just want to end it with a win.’
There will be donation collection and a raffle to benefit Albie Aware Inc. The mission of Albie Aware Inc. is to save more lives and empower people with breast cancer through awareness, education and support.