Closing out the Trans-Valley League season strong, Escalon’s varsity volleyball girls took a pair of shutout wins in the final week.
They took down both Livingston and Hughson by a 3-0 decision.
Against Livingston on Oct. 15 the girls were paced by Hannah Boyd with 31 assists, Mandy Murphy with 14 kills and Melanie Smith with 10. Leila Phillips added three blocks and Tess Cosby had two aces. Cosby led the team in digs with 17 and Meadow Naraghi had 13.
“Hannah Boyd is moving the ball around very well. I am very proud of how she has stepped up and honed her position,” said head coach Teresa Williamson. “The setter position on varsity is a tough position to have. I push every player; however, I push my setter pretty hard. Hannah has taken the challenge and ran with it.”
Wednesday night on the home court, it was the regular season finale and Senior Night for Escalon, with the Lady Cougars recognizing Meadow Naraghi and Leila Phillips as their two outgoing seniors. Each was presented with balloons, a flower bouquet and gift basket, along with being honored at center court and posing for photos with family members.
It was another 3-0 win for Escalon, taking down the visiting Lady Huskies in methodical fashion.
“The Hughson match was Senior Night and the girls were very excited and emotions were running high,” Williamson noted. “They did a great job balancing their emotions and focused on playing volleyball. They played a very solid game and never let down.”
Boyd had 29 assists on the night with 13 kills from Murphy and eight from Naraghi. Smith added four blocks, Cosby had three aces and 19 digs.
“We finished the season 23-12 overall and in league, 8-4,” Williamson said.
The varsity girls took third in league and were seeded sixth in the playoff bracket. They were scheduled to host a first round playoff game against Summerville on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.
The game was played after press time for The Times; look for playoff coverage in the Oct. 31 issue.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Monday at Livingston, the JV girls won in two, 25-8, 25-19, making short work of the host Lady Wolves.
“We did do well; in the first set I decided to play with the lineup and go with a completely different one and they did very well,” said coach Krystal Rodriguez.
Wednesday on the home court, the JV girls closed out a very successful season with a 2-0 win over Hughson, 25-15, 25-12
“We had to win to take second in TVL and they wanted it more,” Rodriguez said of her squad. “They showed up and played volleyball and I was proud to see the result. Players who have worked hard all season shined and earned a spot on the court that night.”
Escalon took second place honors in league.
“Our season was eventful, exciting, and exhausting and I am very proud of the girls,” added Rodriguez. “They worked hard and pushed themselves. They’ve learned a lot and have memories that will last a lifetime.”
FRESHMEN
Action for the youngest Lady Cougars on Monday, Oct. 15 saw the girls play on the road at Livingston and win 25-9 and 25-4.
“It was a decent game. The girls had a few days off and came out on the court a little sluggish and relaxed but still executed well and overall I am happy with the win,” said coach Nicole Bianchi.
Earlier, the girls traveled to Ripon and got a 2-0 win there on Oct. 10.
“That was a fun match. We won 25-17 and 25-20,” Bianchi said. “Matty Bollen had 12 digs on the night, playing very aggressive and taking charge in the back row. Grace Ferreira had four kills and Valeria Gonzalez led with two blocks. Madison Hagglund was strong at the service line achieving four aces.”
It was a satisfying shutout win, said Bianchi, especially on the road.
“The team played very tough and was determined. They maintained high energy throughout the entire match and I am very, very pleased with how hard they worked for every ball,” the coach noted. “Haylee Barajas had a great night in setting, she worked hard to get her hands on just about every ball she could and I am very happy with the level of hustle the team gave.”
They closed out the season with a home win over Hughson to kick off the trio of games on Oct. 17.
