![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
All content in this coverage was reported within the duration of the Homecoming game on Davis Field on Oct. 4, 2025.
Final score — Eagles 3, Bruins 1 (25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 25-15)
8:51 p.m. “The crowd was super hyped,” cheerleader Christy Ma (12) said. “It’s probably one of the most energetic crowds we’ve had in a few years, so it was really fun.”
8:46 p.m. “It’s probably one of the most hyped sports games I’ve ever been to,” junior Sophia Zhu said. “We were very spirited and excited and just very into it.”
8:42 p.m. Eagles celebrate in a huddle after the match ends.
8:40 p.m. Ashley serves an ace at match point for the Eagles. Harker wins the set 25-15 and the overall match 3-1.
Bing Xue, parent of Harker volleyball player Ashley Zhou pointed out how the change in environment affected their gameplay.
“The floor was uneven and stopped them from performing to their full potential,” Bing said. ““At the fourth set, the team all came up to speed. They all have the ability, but sometimes you need to know how to bring out 100% of yourself.”
8:39 p.m. Ashley aces to bring the score to 23-15, prompting another “ACE” chant from the Harker stands.
8:39 p.m. Branham serves the ball into the net, raising Harker’s lead by one point. 22-15.
8:38 p.m. Following a long rally, Katelyn spikes the ball, bringing the score to 21-15.
8:37 p.m. Opposite hitter Ruhi Banerjee’s attack hits the net, decreasing Harker’s lead to 21-14.
8:37 p.m. Branham’s attack lands out of bounds. Harker now leads 21-13.
8:36 p.m. “The energy is very positive,” Director of Learning, Innovation and Design Diane Main said. “The cheerleaders, Harker Dance Company, everyone’s in support of it. I love to see our kids getting this kind of support from their peers.”
8:36 p.m. A tip by Branham is rejected by Elie’s block, earning Harker a point.
8:35 p.m. Elie’s hit down the line is out of bounds, bringing the score to 18-13.
8:35 p.m. Alexis Leo aces, and Luke leads the Harker crowd in the “ACE” chant.
8:34 p.m. A kill down the line by Elie earns Harker a point, raising the score to 17-12.
8:34 p.m. Branham’s serve hits the net, giving Harker a point as Harker’s lead decreases to 16-12.
8:34 p.m. Divya’s serve is long, giving Branham the point to bring the score to 16-11.
8:33 p.m. Elie’s attack is successful, increasing Harker’s lead to 16-10
8:33 p.m. An ace by Divya prompts the “ACE” chant in the stands as Harker now leads 15-10.
8:32 p.m. A kill by Elie raises the score to 14-10.
8:31 p.m. Eden Ahluwalia successfully blocks Branham’s attack, bringing the score to 13-10
8:30 p.m. Despite Aline’s dive, Eagles are unable to successfully receive a hit from Branham’s middle hitter, cutting down Branham’s deficit to 12-10.
8:30 p.m. A kill by Branham changes the score to 12-9.
8:29 p.m. After Elie races past the sidelines to save the ball, Harker ultimately wins a point with a kill by Nat.
8:28 p.m. The timeout ends as Aline comes back to serve, and Branham earns the point as Harker fails to return a Branham attack.
8:27 p.m. Divya Bhupati hits a ball down the line, earning Harker a point, forcing Branham to take a timeout at 11-7 to regroup, and ASB President Luke Wu (12) leads a “SIDE OUT” chant.
8:27 p.m. Nat blocks Branham’s attack, putting Harker up 10-7.
8:26 p.m. Harker emerges victorious after a long rally when Branham’s middle back fails to hit the ball over the net.
8:25 p.m. Branham hits the ball over as Eden Kelly hits the ball down, bringing the score to 8-7.
8:25 p.m. Branham service error once again equalizes the score at 7-7.
8:25 p.m. Following a save by Keira, Branham gets a kill, giving them a 6-7 lead.
8:24 p.m. A Harker violation ties the score at 6-6.
8:24 p.m. Gunjan tips the ball, and Harker fails to receive the short ball, bringing the score to 6-5.
8:23 p.m. Nat and Eden Kelly’s raises the point 6-4.
8:22 p.m. Ashley aces as Branham fails to return the ball over the net, giving Harker a 5-4 lead.
8:22 p.m. Branham fails to block Nat’s attack. The score is now even at 4-4.
8:21 p.m. A Harker Eagle hypes up the crowd for the third set of game.
8:21 p.m. Ashley hits out, earning Branham a point and bringing the score to 3-4.
8:20 p.m. Branham scores back-to-back points from kills, tying the score at 3-3.
8:20 p.m. Nat tips the ball over after Keira’s set, and Harker gains a point, increasing their lead to 3-1.
8:18 p.m. Keira aces, tying the score at 1-1.
8:18 p.m. “The highlight has been doing the “A-C-E” cheers that they taught us at school because it’s cool to have everybody in the student section chatting,” sophomore Mara Pistacchi said.
8:18 p.m. Set 4 starts again, Harker is unable to return the attack, Branham gets the first point 0-1
8:15 p.m. Harker and Branham regroup on the sidelines.
8:15 p.m. Elie’s attack is long, and Branham wins their first set 17-25, bringing the overall score to 2-1.
Harker teacher Christopher Hurshman attributed Harker’s defeat in the third set to a loss of concentration.
“It seemed that we kind of relaxed a bit and made some careless errors.” Hurshman said. “We were a little bit looser, but not in a good way. There may have been a little bit of a lapse in mental focus that was caused by the longer break between the two sets.”
8:14 p.m. Branham serves out, bringing the score to 17-24.
8:14 p.m. Harker is unable to return.
8:13 p.m. The teams return to the court, and Branham wins the point with an ace as Aline fails to return their serve. The score is now 16-24.
8:12 p.m. Harker touches the net in an attempt to block a Branham attack, giving Branham the point. Harker takes another timeout to regroup and interrupt Branham’s momentum.
8:12 p.m. Elie’s serve is long, bringing the score to 16-22.
8:11 p.m. Nat saves the ball allowing Elie’s attack is unsuccessful, 16-21.
8:11 p.m. Alexis returns to the court, leading to a violation on Branham that gives the Eagles a point.
8:11 p.m. After a close battle on the net, Elie’s spike is deflected off a Branham block out of bound, bringing the score to 15-20.
8:11 p.m. Harker’s serve is long, giving the point to Branham at 14-20.
8:10 p.m. Divya Bhupathi gets the kill, cutting Harker’s deficit to 14-19.
8:10 p.m. A service error from Harker brings the score to 13-19
8:09 p.m. Branham fails to block Nat’s attack, bringing the score to 13-18.
8:08 p.m. Divya kills the ball. The score is now 12-18
8:07 p.m. Evie Park’s spike is successful. Aline dives in an attempt to save the ball but is unsuccessful
8:07 p.m. Nat Tan tips the ball over the Branham block, earning the Eagles a point at 11-16.
8:06 p.m. Keira Chang fails to serve the ball over the net. The score is now 10-16.
8:06 p.m. Elie’s attack is blocked out of bounds by Branham, bringing the score to 10-15
8:05 p.m. The game resumes with Branham’s serve, and their attack is successful, bringing the score to 9-15.
8:04 p.m. Harker’s attack is blocked, bringing the score to 9-14 Branham, Harker takes a timeout.
8:03 p.m. Brooke’s set lands out of bounds, giving a point to Branham. 9-13
8:02 p.m. Elie gets a kill, bringing the score to 9-10.
8:02 p.m. Branham middle blocks Elie’s attack and Harker is unable to return, bringing the score to 8-10.
8:01 p.m. Brianna Gassmann spikes the ball, increasing the score to 8-9.
8:01 p.m. Branham violation gives Harker the point to even score at 8-8.
8:00 p.m. Bruin Trinity’s spike is successful, bringing the score to 6-8.
8:00 p.m. Setter Brooke Kubose’s attack is successful, cutting Harker’s deficit to 6-7.
7:59 p.m. Aline saves the ball falling on her knee, and 6 hits the ball over, but she walks it off, Branham returns the ball 5-7.
7:59 p.m. Katelyn Kiratsous spikes the ball into the Eagle’s side 5-6.
7:58 p.m. Branham’s attack is successful,evening the score at 5-5.
7:58 p.m. Branham aces, earning them a point. The score is now 5-4.
7:57 p.m. Aline’s serve is short bringing the score to 5-3
7:56 p.m. Aline serves an ace, bringing Harker’s lead to 5-2
7:56 p.m. Branham is unable to return the ball as their attack hits the net, increasing Harker’s lead to 4-2.
7:55 p.m. Branham’s serve is short and hits the net, bringing the score to 3-2.
7:55 p.m. Ashley’s serve is long and goes out of bounds. The score is now even at 2-2.
7:54 p.m. Ashley serves an ace as the Bruins hit the ball out of bounds, bringing the score to 2-1.
7:54 p.m. The Bruins are unable to return Elie’s spike, tying the score at 1-1
7:53 p.m. Keira serves to commence the third set, and Branham earns the first point of the set as Elie’s attack hits the net.
7:51 p.m. Harker and Branham players return to the field.
7:43 p.m. Seniors Timothy Deng and Sophia Ou voted Homecoming king and queen.
7:41 p.m. The announcer prefaces the arrival of the Homecoming representatives as “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus plays. The announcer reads out the names of the representatives and each class’s dean.
“Getting nominated to homecoming court was really amazing because it felt like so many people thought that my behavior represented Harker’s core pillars.” Junior Homecoming representative Nicole Dean said. “Homecoming court brings a reminder of Harker’s values: kindness, personal accountability, respect, and integrity.”
7:38 p.m. After an even start, the seniors start to gain an advantage. Following a short struggle, Class of 2026 wins the tug-of-war in 44 seconds.
7:36 p.m. The sophomores and seniors take the field donning their class t-shirts, each with representatives waving their class flags. Opposing sections of the crowd cheer for their respective grade.
7:36 p.m. The announcer announces the second tug of war between the sophomores and seniors.
7:32 p.m. Harker Dance Company begins thier performance to “See Me Now” by Cut.
“I was really nervous because there were so many people watching, but also really pumped because there’s so much energy in this performance and so many people come,” HDC member Aurelia Spura said. “I was a little confused during the performance because the music was off, but my muscle memory really kicked in because we practiced a lot.”
7:30 p.m. The Upper School cheer team takes the field, performing for around two minutes to a mashup of several pop songs including “Starships” by Nicki Minaj” and “Diamonds” by Rihanna, ending with a pyramid stunt.
7:29 p.m. Elie kills the ball, winning the set point at 25-21. Homecoming half-time festivities commence.
“The first half was exciting, as most sets were close and fun to watch,” Junior Daniel Zhu said. “Elie Alhuwhalia made a lot of good plays. My favorite part has been being around other people with the same amount of energy; it wouldn’t be the same if I was by myself”
7:29 p.m. Bruin Kaitlyn Karatsu serves an ace to bring the score to 24-21.
7:28 p.m. Eagles win a point, bringing them one point away from set point at 24-19.
7:27 p.m. Elie wins Harker the point with a clean spike. Ashley serves to start the next possession with the score now at 23-19.
7:26 p.m. A net violation by Harker wins Branham the point at 22-19.
7:25 p.m. Elie kills the ball, raising the score to 21-15.
7:24 p.m. Keira serves an ace, bringing the score to 20-15.
7:23 p.m. Branham player Brianna Gassman fails to return, giving a point to Harker.
7:23 p.m. Branham cuts the lead to 18-15 after two Eagles hit the ball into the net.
7:21 p.m. After a serve by Alexis and a long rally among the Eagles, Elie hits it over and Branham is unable to return. Branham calls a timeout at 18-14.
7:21 p.m. Eagles save the ball, leading to an eruption of cheers from the audience. Harker then scores another point, prompting more applause from onlookers.
7:20 p.m. Alexis’ kill brings the score to 16-14.
7:20 p.m. Branham net violation gives a point to the Eagles. The team bends down and hits the floor in celebration.
7:19 p.m. Harker gains the point. Alexis Leo serves in the next possession, the score now tied at 14-14.
7:18 p.m. The seniors and sophomores prepare for the tug-of-war event, gathering behind the bleachers. Harker cheerleaders throw items into the bleachers.
7:18 p.m. Nat Tan hits the ball into the net, bringing the score to 12-14 and prompting a Harker timeout.
7:17 p.m. The Eagles hit the ball long. The Eagles fail to return the Bruins’ next attack, evening the score out at 12-12.
7:17 p.m. Keira dives for the ball but fails to hit it. Branham gets the point, decreasing Harker’s lead to 12-10.
7:16 p.m. Eden Ahluwaia and Elie Ahluwaia both go up for a block, bringing Harker’s lead to 12-9.
7:15 p.m. After Divya’s serve, Eden Kelly gets a kill, winning a point for the Eagles to bring their lead to 11-9.
7:14 p.m. Elie fails to hit the ball across, giving Branham the point 10-9.
7:14 p.m. Branham scores an ace as Harker’s return is out of bounds, cutting the lead to 10-8.
7:14 p.m. Harker is unable to return Branham’s block as Harker hits the ball into the net, giving Branham the point 10-7.
7:13 p.m. Branham ball hits the antenna as the Eagles get the point 10-6. Nat continues to serve.
7:13 p.m. Branham hits the ball out of bounds, increasing Harker’s lead to 9-6.
7:12 p.m. A service error by Harker gives Branham the point at 8-6.
7:12 p.m. Nat kills the ball 8-5.
7:11 p.m. Nat blocks the ball and Eden Ahluwalia taps the ball over the net after an attempted kill from Branham, bringing the score to 7-5.
7:11 p.m. Aline serves, scoring an ace for Harker and bringing the score to 6-5
7:11 p.m. Harker brings the point back to an even 5-5 as Branham fails to return Divya’s hit.
7:11 p.m. Divya hits the ball but it hits the net, giving Branham the point at 4-5.
7:10 p.m. Another kill from Branham ties the score at 4-4.
7:09 p.m. Bruin Kaitlyn Karatsku gets a kill, and Eden Kelly’s hit is blocked by Branham, reducing Harker’s lead to 4-3.
7:09 p.m. Harker earns a point due to a rotation error before earning another right after from a serving violation on the Bruins.
7:09 p.m. Ashley Zhou serves an ace, winning a point for the Eagles.
7:08 p.m. Following a long rally, the Eagles score the point after a block from Eden Kelly.
7:07 p.m. Branham earns two points in a row through successive kills, giving them the lead at 1-2.
7:06 pm: Eden Kelly and Keira block the Bruins’ hit, gaining Harker the first point of the set. The cheerleaders cheer under the bleachers.
7:05 p.m. The first horn sounds, signaling the beginning of Set 2 with a serve from Branham player Faith Park.
7:03 p.m. Both teams huddle and regroup, preparing for the second set. The Harker pep band plays a short segment.
7:03 p.m. After a long rally on set point, Eden successfully blocks the ball, winning Harker the first set 25-23. The game stands at 1-0 for the Eagles. Stevea Wang, parent of Harker senior Katherine Wang, praised the Eagles’ improvement throughout the game.
“They were very consistent in catching opportunities during the first set.” Stevea Wang, parent of senior Katherine Wang said. “After they reduced several mistakes, I really saw them start to lead the game. The other team did well too. Some plays were back and forth, but Harker came even stronger than Branham.”
7:02 p.m. Outside hitter Ashley Zhou (10) enters the game, serving for the Eagles for set point.
7:01 p.m. Branham gets an ace, bringing the score even to 23-23.
7:00 p.m. Aline hits the ball into the net as Nat attempts to hit across. Elie hits long as Branham gets the point 23-22.
7:00 p.m. Eden and Keira rise up for a block, bringing the score to 23-21.
6.59 p.m. Branham spikes the ball for a kill, bringing the score to 22-21.
6:58 p.m. Back-to-back dives from Divya and Nat allow Harker to return a Branham serve, but a successful Branham block cuts Harker’s lead to 22-20.
6:58 p.m. Nat Tan hits the ball, and it lands with a perfect campfire.
6:57 p.m. Alexis Leo serves an ace, bringing the score to 22-18.
6:57 p.m. Branham calls a time out, and both teams regroup with a score of 21-18.
6:56 p.m. Elie gets another kill, earning a point for Harker. Alexis substitutes back into the game, taking on the next serve.
6:55 p.m. Divya serves, but a kill from Branham player Trinity Longoria brings the score to 19-18.
6:54 p.m. Branham player Evie Park serves, and Branham hits the ball out bringing the score to 19-17.
6:53 p.m. Branham blocks a hit from Divya, giving Branham a point.
6:53 p.m. The crowd erupts in cheer when Branham hits ball out of bounds, upping the score to 18-16.
6:52 p.m. Elie Ahuwhalia secures another point with a spike to back court, bringing the score to 16-14.
6:51 p.m. A service error from Elie caps off a 4-0 Branham run, resulting in a 15-14 score.
6:50 p.m. Eden hits across and libero Aline Grinspan (12) sets up Elie for a kill, increasing Harker’s lead to 15-12.
6:49 p.m. Branham earns a 12-14 lead after a side out from Harker.
6:48 Following a Branham serve, Keira and Nat use teamwork but hit the ball out of bounds.
6:48 p.m. Brianna successfully returns a hit from Nat, giving Branham another point.
6:47 p.m. Harker nearly aces, but Branham gets a point when Harker fails to block the ball. Keira spikes the ball, earning Harker a point as Branham dumps the ball into the net again, prompting the crowd to cheer with the “ACE” chant.
6:46 p.m. Following a serve from defensive specialist Alexis Leo (11), Eden Kelley successfully blocks the ball.
6:45 p.m. Branham #6 smacks the ball that Nat Tan hit into the net, costing the Eagles a point.
6:44 p.m. A Branham player spikes the ball score 7-7 tied.
6:43 p.m. Branham attempts to block the ball, but it lands out of bounds.
6:43 p.m. Opposite hitter Nat Tan spikes the ball out, bringing the score to 4-4. The team squats and cheers, slapping the ground.
6:42 p.m. Outside hitter Divya Bhupathi (11) hits the ball into the net, bringing the score to 3-4.
6:41 p.m. Number 3 on Branham spikes the ball across the net.
6:40 p.m. Net violation occurs costing the Eagles another point bringing the score to 3-2.
6:39 p.m. The Eagles score the first point of the match from an ace from setter Keira Chang (12).
6:37 p.m. The players form a line and high five the opposing team across the net. Afterwards, both teams form huddles on their sides of the court.
6:34 p.m. Succeeding Travis Scott’s “SICKO MODE,” the announcer now names the non-starters for the Eagles, who each run forward with their miniature balls and throw them into the crowd. The announcer then names Coach and Assistant Coach.
6:33 p.m. The announcer names the starting line up for the Bruins. The announcer names Coach Heather Cooper and Assistant Coach Navreet Kaur.
6:32 p.m. The announcer names each of the non-starting players on the Branham varsity girls volleyball team, who each run forward to hand miniature balls to Smith.
6:31 p.m. The announcer explains that the game will be directed according to pre-existing rules. “I’m really looking forward to seeing them beat Branham.” frosh Aanya Solanki said. “Volleyball is more engaging and more intense compared to football. You have to keep your eyes on the ball.”
6:29 p.m. The announcer invites audience members to stand up and face the flag, putting their hands over their hearts, as the choir sings the National Anthem.
6:27 p.m. The Harker choirs, led by Choir director Jennifer Sandusky, sing an Acapella version of the Harker anthem below the bleachers, while the players put their hands over their hearts.
6:26 p.m. Branham returns to the field, followed by the Harker team, in their uniforms. “I’m looking forward to the game and all the festivities,” sophomore Maya Horan said. “It was a very close game against Brenham last time and apparently very exciting, so I hope this will be similar.”
6:25 p.m. Both teams leave the court, returning to the locker rooms to debrief before the game.
6:20 p.m. Branham takes the court for their turn to warm up.
6:17 p.m. The pep band begins to play again.
6:15 p.m. Hall of Fame inductees stand next to the court with Molin. Currently, it is the Harker team’s turn to warm up.
6:10 p.m. The announcer names four Athletic Hall of Fame inductees: Stanford swimmer and three-time state champion Ethan Hu (’20), tennis and softball player Arthi Padmanabhan (’10), California top-10 golfer Shrish Dwivedi (’15) and volleyball player Shreya Dixit (‘15).
6:07 p.m. An announcer honors team doctor Jeffrey Blue for keeping players healthy and strong.
6:05 p.m. Stadium lights turn on as the volleyball players continue with their preparation. An announcer names captains and senior members of the team.
6:01 p.m. Branham High School players join the Eagles, warming up on the other side of the field. Attendees continue to fill the stands.
6:00 p.m. The Haker volleyball team warms up, passing the ball across the court.
5:58 p.m. Harker varsity girls volleyball players run out onto the court, with the audience cheering them on. The players huddle as Coach Teresa Smith and Athletic director with team doctor Jeffrey Williams support the team.
5:56 p.m. Head of School Brian Yager delivers a speech introducing the inaugural volleyball match on the field for the homecoming game. He commemorates the varsity girls volleyball players and coaches Dan Molin and Teresa Smith, then thanks the facilities who were involved in the planning of this event and the players from Branham High School.
5:43 p.m. Jazz band plays a short interlude.
5:41 p.m. The second-grade Eaglets run around the field to the song “Fly Like an Eagle” by Steve Miller Band.
5:36 p.m. Lower-school cheerleaders perform a cheer and assemble formations, dancing to the song “Dance Forever” by Allstar Weekend.
5:33 p.m. The juniors conquered the frosh after 10 seconds and will enter the tug-of-war finals on Oct. 14. Class of 2028 and 2026 will meet for the second tug-of-war preliminary round during halftime. “We felt confident because we were playing the frosh and had more experience,” junior Jonathan Li said. “We kept pulling and it felt like we were winning the whole time. It was exciting beating them, but we know we still have a championship match.”
5:30 p.m. Class of 2029 and 2027 face off in the tug-of-war preliminary round.
5:25 p.m. Audience members crowd onto the bleachers. Jazz band plays a tune in the background to start off the event.
Varsity girls volleyball will face Branham High School at 6:30 pm on Davis Field tonight for the annual Homecoming game.
Mark Murray • Oct 4, 2025 at 6:31 pm
Crop those photos a little tighter. 🙂
Good coverage so far. Hope it is going well.