Tigers will compete in Oak Division; Lions in Redwood Division
Ready or not, Analy and El Molino volleyball teams will put six weeks of preparation to the test this week when both open North Bay League play in different divisions.
The Tigers, who captured the Sonoma County League title last year, will kick off the ultra competitive NBL Oak Division on Sept. 18 (after press time) when they visit Cardinal Newman, followed by a Thursday, Sept. 20, road trip to Maria Carrillo. Match times starting with the frosh are 4/5/6 p.m.
Other teams in the Oak Division are Montgomery, Santa Rosa and Windsor.
Analy (5-5) closed out pre-league play with a pair of recent matches, beginning on Sept. 11 with a home win over visiting Ukiah in straight sets: 25-22, 25-19, 25-12. Statistical leaders for the Tigers were Claire Rudderow (11 kills), Jalynn Serpa (8 kills 2 aces) and Maddie Windsor (27 assists).
Analy traveled to take on Rancho Cotate on Sept. 13, easily dispatching the host Cougars in three games: 25-15, 25-17, 25-13. Pacing the team were Rudderow (11 kills 12 digs), Bella Puget (6 kills) and Windsor (23 assists).
The Tigers appear to be rounding into form at just the right time, a welcome result following a challenging preseason schedule.
“The team has really been working on playing together as a unit,” Tiger coach Holly Folendorf reported. “It has been a long preseason, and we’re looking forward to the start of league.”
Lions battle tested for league
El Molino is coming off a successful (and busy) pre-league schedule that ended in an 11-8 record, following up a big win over Analy, with recent road losses to Kelseyville (3-1) and Cardinal Newman (3-0).
At press time the Lions were preparing to open league play in the Redwood Division on Sept. 18 against visiting Rancho Cotate, before hosting Ukiah on Thursday, Sept. 20. Both varsity matches start at 6 p.m.
Also competing in the Redwood Division are Healdsburg, Elsie Allen and Piner.
