With the fall sports season settling in, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory & St. Ignatius College Prep prepare to kick off the 2025-2026 Bruce Mahoney series with the Girls Volleyball matchup this Tuesday. This longstanding rivalry series is in its 81st edition and with athletes from both sides fired up, it’s safe to say that we are in for some exciting games.
On Friday, September 19th, we sat down with volleyball players Elsa Dack ‘27 & Cali Tangaan ‘27 to get a bit of insight on the Fighting Irish’s attitude as they approach this Tuesday’s big game. Elsa & Cali enthusiastically shared their responses, which highly represented their team’s unity, support, and commitment to the sport.
(photo provided by Elsa Dack ‘27).
Below is our conversation with Elsa & Cali:
Can you both take me through your team’s approach to preparing for such important games like the Bruce Mahoney, playoffs, matchups against strong teams, etc.?
Cali: As of right now, we’ve been part of two tournaments and have also played preseason and league games. Something in particular that stuck with me was when the team would play really loud music during practice to help us prepare for any rowdy games where the noise can affect our ability to communicate.
Elsa: For a game like the Bruce Mahoney, the strong noise can really affect our performance. I believe communication is a vital part of volleyball so it is important we practice being in those scenarios. It helps us work on our connection [Cali & Elsa’s] as a setter and hitter.
Elsa – being on JV last year, what changes did you make to your game in order to match the varsity level of competition, what about varsity volleyball has forced you to do so?
Elsa: Varsity has a much faster pace, especially on the other side of the net. As a middle, my main focus is shutting down the opposing team’s hitters, so I’ve had to adapt my speed to theirs. Being a middle also means switching on and off the court which has allowed me to be supported and supportive, improving our team’s connection and flow.
How would you both describe your team’s chemistry, can you tell me any certain strategies or aspects of the game that you all feel most confident carrying out?
Elsa: On the court, what fuels us is our love for each other; we play for each other. Our main goal is to make each other proud, which improves our performance as a team.
Cali: Agreed, we’re like a second family. I say this a lot but, I admire our love for each other and the game. Everyone is really passionate about what they do and know their purpose on the court. That really motivates us.
Cali – after playing in last year’s varsity game, do you feel that the atmosphere and history behind the Bruce Mahoney carries any additional pressures that may affect your performance or the team’s?
Cali: Definitely, pressure is constant. People always question us on how confident we are about being successful this season or for the Bruce-Mahoney. Knowing how immense the history of the Bruce-Mahoney is, being part of it myself is always so crazy to think about. Sometimes it can be hard to manage the expectations people may have of us. But despite the difficulty, I still believe in our team’s ability to stay composed.
Additionally, do either of you believe SHC’s past losses to SI have any effect on your team’s mindset going into Tuesday’s game? If so, are there any areas of growth you all are focusing on to secure a win?
Elsa: They [St. Ignatius] have graduates, we have graduates. Every year, it’s a new matchup. Teammates leave, new ones join, I don’t think last year’s team reflects the team we are now, and our current team won’t reflect next years’.
Any final messages for the readers?
Elsa: Come to the Bruce Mahoney!
Cali: Yes, please come, we’re all so excited for this year! It’ll be a great one.
This year, SHC’s Girls Volleyball team is eager for new results in this year’s Bruce-Mahoney game. Their tightly-knit relationship has led them to an impressive 10-4 record. The team hopes to carry their momentum into Tuesday’s exciting clash against St. Ignatius.
We would like to thank Elsa Dack ‘27 and Cali Tangaan ‘27 for taking the time to speak with us. We would also like to wish the best of luck to the Girls Volleyball team in this year’s Bruce Mahoney Volleyball Game.
