Local volleyball teams are set to open their respective league
schedules this week, beginning what promises to be a very
interesting season.
While Analy is out to add to its amazing run of five straight
Sonoma County League titles, the Lions may be one of three other
teams in a dog-fight for the championship banner.
The season will open with a bang, as Analy plays host to El Mo
on Sept. 14 (after press time). League play resumes on Thursday,
Sept. 16, as the Lions host Healdsburg. This weekend, the Tigers
travel to the annual litmus test, also known as the Archbishop
Mitty Tournament.
Tigers hungry for repeat
The Tigers should be a fun team to watch again this season,
perhaps possessing less talent overall, but more depth across the
board.
Last week, Analy dropped a five-game heartbreaker to a very
solid Maria Carrillo squad, but the strong showing should bode well
for future success.
“They had much more volleyball talent than us, so for us to go
to five games and actually have opportunities to win, I was
thrilled,” said Tiger coach Nancy Williams.
The Tigers wrapped up pre-league action at the annual Piner
Tournament last weekend, finishing second in their pool. Analy lost
to Rancho Cotate in three games, then played an epic match against
Las Lomas, winning the first game, 26-24, before dropping games two
and three, 24-26, and 14-16.
“Overall it was a good day of learning and gaining experience,
which is exactly what we need for this team,” noted Williams.
El Mo wraps up strong pre-season
The Lions improved to 5-1 heading into SCL play this week, with
pre-season wins over Cloverdale, Montgomery and Santa Rosa. El Mo’s
lone loss came at the hands of Willits last week.
El Mo began a good stretch on Aug. 31, easily dispatching
Cloverdale in three games; 25-20, 25-22, and 25-7. Leading the
attack were Erica Gutsch (13 kills), Siera Taylor (6 kills), and
Melissa Manni (4 aces).
The Lions fell to a surprising Willits squad on Sept. 7, falling
in a five-game thriller; 25-22, 25-16, 22-25, 21-25, and 9-15.
Siera Taylor led the way with 10 kills and 5 aces, while Taylor
Lunardi chipped in 15 digs.
The Lions turned back Montgomery on Sept. 9 in three games;
25-13, 25-20, 25-16. Stat leaders were Gutsch (17 kills), Mann (9
kills), and Lunardi (31 digs).
The Lions capped the pre-league campaign with a three-game
victory over Santa Rosa on Sept. 13, winning; 25-23, 25-12, and
25-16. Gutsch contributed 14 kills, with Manni (3 aces), and
Lunardi (19 digs) also playing well for the Lions.
