The El Molino boys volleyball team will begin defense of its
North Coast Section title this week, landing the second seed in the
eight-team Division-three tournament.
At press time the Lions were preparing for their May 18 home
opener with Dougherty Valley. Should El Mo win as expected, they
will play the winner of the Head-Royce-St. Patrick/St. Vincent
match this Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m. (site TBD).
The NCS championship match will be played on Saturday, May 22 at
the site of the highest seed or league champion. Â
The complete list of NCS Division-three playoff teams in order
of seeding is College Prep (28-5), El Molino (23-13), St.
Patrick/St. Vincent (21-11), Berean Christian (17-12), Marin
Catholic (18-13), Head Royce (20-8), Dougherty Valley (20-9), and
DeAnza (20-6). Â
Last week, El Mo captured second place in the Marin County
Athletic League playoff tournament, defeating Terra Linda in the
opener in four games; 25-17, 25-17, 24-26, and 25-17. Outside
hitter Scott McMahan led the attack with 23 kills, 10 digs and
three aces. Also turning in great efforts were Ryan Affleck (35
assists, 9 digs, 3 kills), 3 aces), Mitch Parsons (2 aces, 4 digs),
Jeff Battis (7 kills, 11 digs, ace), Ned Formaker (35 serve
receives), and Nelson Brock (7 kills).
The win set up a title showdown at first-place Drake, but the
Pirates would continue their dominance with a win in three games;
25-14, 25-21, 29-27. Top performances were had by McMahan (19
kills, 2 aces), Affleck (25 assists, 12 digs), Battis (5 kills)
Formaker (5 digs, 29 serve receives, ace) Matt Booth (2 kills,
block), Calvin Sandeen (2 kills), and Nelson Brock (2 kills).
