El Mo looking forward to second half of league
The Analy varsity volleyball team retained West County bragging rights in the first of two scheduled Sonoma County League matches with El Molino on Sept. 27, turning back the visiting Lions in straight sets; 25-15, 25-19 and 25-19.
The match was well played on both sides, but in the end it was the consistency of Analy’s defense and strong service game that ultimately won the day.
“We came out strong and pumped up to play but their defense kept the ball in play, and during long rallies we would usually lose due to an error,” El Mo coach Becky Sani said. “Our serve receive was off point and Analy beat us in quick short runs of points due to our serve receive.”
Statistical leaders for the Tigers included Tori Fitzpatrick (27 digs), Ava Ehnes (15 kills, 6 aces, 16 digs) and Claire Rudderow (12 kills, 18 digs). Pacing the El Mo attack were Tiger Berna (3 kills, 9 digs) and libero Torrie Boles (4 kills, 37 digs).
While Analy drew a bye, the Lions began the second half of the league schedule in a road match at Healdsburg on Sept. 29, hoping to match the intensity level of the first battle between teams that ended in a five-set win for the Greyhounds last month.
This match bore no resemblance to the first, as the home-standing Hounds took charge from the opening tip en route to a win in three sets; 25-19, 25-16 and 25-5.
“We just couldn’t overcome their super tall outside hitter, she was hitting right over our block into the middle of our court,” Sani noted. “We served tough but it wasn’t enough to carry us through the match.”
Leading the way for the Lions were Berna (5 kills, 5 digs), Kassidy Sani (10 assists, 10 digs) and Boles (32 digs).
Scheduling notes
The teams will be back in action with a full slate of matches this week, as the third place Tigers (4-2, 6-4) host Healdsburg on Oct. 4 (after press time) and visit Piner on Thursday, Oct. 6 (4/5/6:30 p.m.). Analy will host Elsie Allen next Tuesday, Oct. 11 (5/6:30 p.m.).
At the start of play this week the Lions (2-5, 8-8) were in fifth place in the SCL standings, with scheduled home matches against Piner (Oct. 4) and Petaluma (Oct. 11, 4/5/6:30 p.m.).
“We’ve been plagued by concussions, hurt backs, infections and our big freshman middle hitter will be returning to the court on Tuesday after being out for three weeks,” Coach Sani said. “It will be fun to see what we can do in the second half of league.”
