One of the toughest things to accomplish in sports is to win a
league championship. Multiply that by seven and you’ve got a
dynasty on your hands.
That’s the story unfolding this week, as the Analy volleyballers
sit on the cusp of their seventh straight Sonoma County League
crown, running their unbeaten SCL record to 9-0 (15-8 overall) with
a win over Healdsburg.
The Tigers set down the Greyhounds in four games; 25-18, 25-9,
21-25, and 25-13. Leading the net attack were Kira Rudderow (5
kills, great all-around match), and an outstanding defensive
effort from Megan Winters (22 digs).
The hard-fought-four-game victory illustrated just how balanced
the league is this year, making the accomplishment of a young,
re-tooling Tiger squad all the sweeter.
“We’re at a point in the season where we’ve gained experience
and have more players contributing on a regular basis, which is
good for post season and the future of the program,” said veteran
Analy coach Nancy Williams. “We are becoming a better team in some
aspect every day.”
Analy has just upcoming SCL matches remaining against Windsor
(Oct. 19 , after press time), home against Casa Grande (Oct. 21),
and at Petaluma on Oct. 26. Game times starting with the frosh are
4/5:6:30.
Lions win a pair to stay in third place
The Lions continued their outstanding season last week with wins
over Healdsburg and Windsor.
The victories propelled El Mo’s season record to 27-6, and
jumped them into third place in the SCL with a mark of 6-3.
The win at Healdsburg on Oct. 12 did not come easily, as the
Lions needed five games to turn back the stubborn Hounds; 25-15,
25-21, 22-25, 20-25, and 15-9.
El Mo turned in a much better outing two nights later against
Windsor, posting a win in three games; 25-18, 25-19, and 25-23.
Erica Gutsch led the way with 13 kills, while Emma Vierra (10
kills), and Taylor Lunardi (44 digs, 2 aces) made strong
contributions to the win.
“We didn’t play as well as we could have against Healdsburg, but
played much better against Windsor,” noted El Mo coach Leslie
Grassl.
The Lions have remaining league matches against Casa Grande
(Oct. 19, after press time), home vs. Petaluma (Oct. 21) and at
Sonoma next Tuesday, Oct. 26 (4/5/6:30 p.m.).
