South San’s biggest strength gave it the edge it needed to pull out a 25-19, 25-16, 25-21 non-district win at Edison Tuesday.

“They played very, very well last night,” South San coach Fernando Molina said. “They’ve been on an upswing since the (South San) tournament. The last match of the tournament, they played very well. Last night, they were clicking on all cylinders. It was a very positive sign. They communicated very well with each other.”

The Bobcats (7-4) were able to negate Edison’s height advantage.

South San finished third in its own tournament over the weekend. The match Molina referred to was the third-place game, which the Bobcats won 21-25, 25-17, 25-21 over Holy Cross.

“Our defense was outstanding,” Molina said of the Edison match. “We dug balls and we blocked their girls. We had some long defensive stands and long runs.”

The Bobcats also had sophomore setter Erica Jimenez (14 assists) and senior outside hitter Rebekah Rodriguez in sync as their statistical leaders.

“We have great senior leadership,” Molina said. “We have very good communication as a team. They worked hard in the offseason. They were here all summer. They were in a summer volleyball league, they went to open gyms. They really worked very hard.

“They really put in the time, and it’s paying off now. Their hard work and dedication on the court, you can see it.”

Junior Angel Salazar and basketball veteran Kim Tobias each made six digs. Junior Giselle Mata also helped in the setting department, recording six assists.

“They’re already the best defensive team I’ve coached,” Molina said, “and I’ve had state-ranked teams that ranked as high as fourth. Their defense is top notch.

“A lot of it is just effort. It’s effort and enthusiasm. A lot of people say hustle beats talent, but I always tell them that talent will win. But they have talent, and now they’re hustling. They’re hard to stop.”

For the Golden Bears, Karen Guerrero stood out with 12 digs, nine kills and two aces. Kalani Woods also was outstanding, with 6.5 blocks. Marissa Cortinas distributed 12 assists.

“Edison had a big-old block and they could swing on the ball,” Molina said. “But we were able to dig their blocks. We pick it up, shoot it to the opposite pin and put it down on the floor.”