National/World Editor
The Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team has officially ended their season reaching several milestones and accomplishing various goals. Head coach Nicole Ciari, along with assistant coaches Josh Lyngar and Morgan Iverson, admitted early on that this season would be dedicated to rebuilding. With multiple new players joining the roster, the team had to adapt quickly while adjusting to the speed and intensity of the league’s toughest opponents. Due to their dominance on JV, sophomores Lydia Liu and Emma Jin, as well as freshman Lulu Farwell earned well-deserved spots on varsity for post-season play.
Following the end of league play and placing fourth, the team received four Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) All-League Awards for the De Anza Division. The recipients included Senior Portia Zeidler, junior Sadie Bins, and sophomore Kate Langner, earning First All-League Team, as well as Annette Bassani claiming All-League Honorable Mention. In addition to obtaining First All-League Team, Langner also received the Outstanding Sophomore award.
The varsity team entered the post-season ranked fourth in Central Coast Section (CCS) play and opened their run with a 3-0 sweep over Carlmont High School in the quarterfinals, securing their spot in the semifinals. However, the Wildcats lost in the Division I CCS semifinals to Menlo-Atherton High School, falling 0-3. Due to their high seeding and consistently powerful performance throughout the Bay Area, the Wildcats earned a spot in the Division III California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) tournament, their final opportunity to win a NorCal title and a chance at state championships. Entering tournament play ranked fifth in CIF, Los Gatos opened against Pleasant Valley and secured a decisive 3-0 victory. Their momentum continued into the next match against Lowell High School, where they once again swept 3-0. In the semifinals of the NorCal Championships, the Wildcats faced Sequoia Ravens High School, a familiar opponent who had beaten them earlier in the season at the Menlo High School Tournament. Despite a decisive battle in the final set, the Wildcats just barely came up short, falling 2-3 with a heartbreaking 14-16 finish in the fifth set. Although the match was surprisingly equal in talent, it ultimately ended the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team’s season.
Overall, the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team met immense expectations throughout the season, including finishing 16-14 overall and 6-6 in league. The Wildcats hosted CCS and CIF play, an honor due to home court advantage, despite roster changes, position alterations, and, most devastatingly, injuries. Even in the toughest matches, the Wildcats demonstrated grit, determination, and unwavering competitiveness. Make sure to congratulate the Wildcats on their outstanding season and thank the graduating Los Gatos varsity seniors!
(Source: MaxPreps)
Categories: School Sports, Sports