The Bruce-Mahoney series is a San Francisco tradition that has stood the test of time, dating back to 1947. Rivalry, competition, and history run deep between St. Ignatius and Sacred Heart Cathedral, two of the most storied schools in the West Catholic Athletic League. While it has primarily been a men's competition involving football, basketball, and baseball, the rivalry took on new life in 2022 when women's volleyball and basketball were added to the series, signaling a new era of inclusivity and excitement. On Tuesday, October 1st, the Wildcats and the Irish took to the volleyball court for their annual battle, and this year, it was personal.

For SI head volleyball coach Saga Vae, the first volleyball match of the Bruce-Mahoney Series was more than just another game; it was a family affair. His two nieces, SI's senior captain, Carol Manu,  and standout frosh, Caira Tasi, a rising star at SHC, were on opposite sides of the net, each determined to lead their team to victory. But this night was not just about sibling rivalry or family dynamics—it was about legacy.
 

To make this moment even more unforgettable, over 100 members of Coach Vae's extended family filled the stands at SI, wearing custom-made t-shirts supporting both schools and athletes. From local family members to relatives flying in from Hawai'i and Samoa, the Vae family waved both red and green. Their cheers rang loud through the gym with every point, showcasing the love and pride they felt for both nieces. It was a sight that perfectly captured the spirit of the Bruce-Mahoney series: fierce competition with deep respect and connection.

From the start, Tasi led SHC with poise and power. The freshman sensation was unfazed by the enormity of the event or the stakes of the rivalry, driving SHC to an early lead. SHC took the first two sets, with Tasi at the heart of her team's success, setting the stage for what seemed like an inevitable sweep. The atmosphere grew electric as SHC looked poised to walk away with a 3-0 win, putting a significant dent in SI's Bruce-Mahoney volleyball defense.

But Coach Vae knew the game wasn't over yet. After the second set, with SI down 2-0, the Wildcats needed a spark. Gathering his team, Vae's message was clear: they had to fight for every point, and the momentum could shift if they believed in each other. Leading that charge was his niece, senior Carol Manu, who took over in the third set, delivering three critical kills and two game-changing blocks. Her intensity on the court helped turn the tide, and suddenly, SI found their rhythm.

With the Wildcat Nation roaring from the bleachers, the energy shifted decisively. SI's players rallied, pushing back with confidence and aggression. The third set belonged to them. It wasn't just a matter of winning a set—it was a signal that they weren't ready to concede the match. The momentum had shifted, and with each point, it became clearer: SI had come to defend their Bruce-Mahoney title.

As SI clawed their way back, the fourth set saw both teams playing their best volleyball, with long rallies, diving digs, and powerful kills. The family support in the stands became a chorus of excitement and tension, as both sides battled hard. But in the end, SI's senior leadership and determination were too much to handle. Senior leaders Sophia Lucas and Manu were instrumental, as Lucas locked in the critical set point to even the match at 2-2, forcing a fifth and final set.

Now, it all came down to a 15-point sprint in the fifth. SHC struck first, taking a 2-0 lead, but SI's composure never wavered. They pushed forward, surging to an 8-3 advantage as SHC began to look fatigued. As the Wildcats closed in on match point with a 14-8 lead, SI fans stood on their feet, and the sold-out War Memorial gym fell silent for a moment. Manu took a massive swing, but Tasi, rising high on the other side of the net, came up with a valiant block. It was a family moment that encapsulated the spirit of the night—two nieces, from rival schools, facing off across the net at a historic game, while their family cheered with pride from both sides of the stands.

In a historic reverse sweep, the Wildcats took the final 3 sets, sealing the 3-2 victory in dramatic fashion (20-25, 18-25, 25-19, 25-17, 15-10). Coach Vae embraced his players, proud not just of the win, but of the resilience they showed in the face of adversity. For his family, it was a moment of shared joy, as they watched two generations of athletes and leaders leave it all on the court. Senior leaders Manu, with 15 kills and 6 blocks, and Lucas, with 11 kills and 7 blocks, were instrumental in SI's comeback. Setter Hannah Arcilla kept the offense flowing, tallying 26 assists and 11 digs. The senior leadership in synergy with the young talent, from sophomore Eileen Pfeffer's 11 kills and 4 blocks to Lauren Nip's remarkable 29 digs, shifted the tide of the game to make an unforgettable night. 
 

While SI celebrated their hard-fought victory, the night was about more than just the scoreline. It was a reminder of how deeply intertwined family and tradition are in this rivalry. For Coach Saga Vae, his two nieces had shown not just their immense talent, but also the love and competitive spirit that defines both SI and SHC. As the family members embraced each other, regardless of the outcome, the spirit of the Bruce-Mahoney Series lived on—not just in the games won or lost, but in the bonds that tie this community together.

The 2024 Bruce-Mahoney volleyball opener will be remembered not just for the history made on the court, but for the deeper meaning of family, community, and tradition. And as the Vae family cheered for both schools, it was clear that in this rivalry, no matter the outcome, family always wins.