Tigers to host Lions in second “Apple Match” on Sept. 28
It was a mixed bag on the local high school volleyball court in recent matches for Analy and El Molino varsity teams, as the Tigers gained an even split in two league matches while the Lions were winless in outings against a pair of SCL powers.
This week, both teams were scheduled to resume SCL action this week, with El Molino traveling to Roseland University Prep on Sept. 25 (after press time) and Analy entertaining Sonoma Valley on Sept. 26.
Analy (10-4, 4-1) will host the second and final “Apple Match” against visiting El Molino on Thursday, Sept. 28. Start times beginning with the frosh are 4/5/6:30 p.m.
Tigers gain split
Analy had the task of taking on both the bottom and top ranked league teams in successive matches, beginning at home on Sept. 19 against Elsie Allen. The visiting Lobos were no match for the Tigers, as Analy prevailed in straight sets; 25-10, 25-17, 25-16.
Pacing the Analy attack were Merritt Taggart (11 kills), Alexis Dibene (6 kills, 4 aces) and Ally Carter (13 digs, 2 aces).
The Tigers traveled to league-leading Petaluma (5-0) on Sept. 21, falling in three sets; 16-25, 16-25, 22-25. Claire Rudderow led the Tigers with 9 kills, 4 aces and 13 digs.
Lions fall to league foes
The Lions navigated a brutal stretch in the SCL schedule, starting on Sept. 19 against visiting Petaluma. Although El Mo gave the Trojans a battle, the Lions fell in straight sets; 16-25, 21-25, 14-25.
“This was a match of serving, both good and bad,” Lions coach Becky Sani reported. “Both teams missed a lot of serves but we answered back with six aces over the three games.”
Kassidy Sani (2 solo blocks and 3 assisted blocks) and Sasha Senal (3 solo blocks, one assisted) played well at the net for El Molino.
The Lions did take two of three matches against the Trojans, as the JV posted a win in three; 25-18, 22-25, 15-10, while the frosh won in 25-10, 25-16.
El Mo hit the road to Sonoma Valley on Sept. 21, again playing well but falling in three sets 12-25, 15-25, 21-25. Emerging freshman Grace McCormick led the way with 12 assists, 2 blocks and 3 kills. Other leaders included Sasha Senal (4 kills, 3 blocks) and Kassidy Sani (5 kills, 16 assists).
Although the Lions had little to show in two tough matches, there were plenty of positives to go around.
“The good thing that I see happening is my team is coming together and trusting each other to do their jobs,” Becky Sani said. “We had very few times when the ball would fall between two players wondering who was going to get it. They are calling the ball loud and our setters are starting to take control of the tempo of our game.”
