Upper Lake varsity volleyball team makes due with only seven players in five-set win
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LAKEPORT >> In a season filled with great frustration for the Upper Lake High School varsity volleyball team and head coach Dani Paige Gudmundson, the Cougars finally had reason to celebrate on Tuesday night as they rallied from two sets down to beat the Clear Lake Cardinals 19-25, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 15-8 in Lakeport.
“Tonight’s win was crucial for us, especially considering the challenges we faced leading up to the game,” Gudmundson said. “We had a great practice session yesterday (Monday) and everyone was geared up and eager for tonight’s match.”
However, with one starter out sick and another down with a sprained ankle, the Cougars (2-8) could suit up only seven players for the Clear Lake match.
“With just seven players available, we had to adjust quickly and have a brief 20-minute practice session after school to review our new rotation. The first two sets (Tuesday) were all about adjusting to the new lineup. We had players stepping into unfamiliar positions, and it understandably took time for everyone to find their groove. However, once we settled in, we displayed resilience and determination. I am incredibly proud of the girls for their performance tonight.”
Alyssa John had a big night for the Cougars with 17 service points, 15 digs, 13 blocks and six kills, and Aimee Schaefers added 13 blocks and five kills. Other team leaders were Hope Marcks with 13 assists and 12 service points, and Alyson Gomez with 17 digs, eight service points and two kills.
For Clear Lake (3-6), Atiana Patino led the team with 26 digs, Emily Gersalia finished with 18 digs and 19 assists, Violet Stewart and Kaylah Billig each had eight kills, Lindee Bingham added six kills, and Aniya Jauregui had five kills and four aces.
“We couldn’t keep the momentum,” Clear Lake head coach Izzy Short said after the Cardinals won each of the first two sets in the best-of-five match. “We were making too many unforced errors.”
Upper Lake also won the junior varsity match, beating clear Lake 25-13, 25-19 for its first league win of the season. The Cougars (1-9) were led by Riley Jones with three digs, two kills and one ace, Karime Martin with four assists, and Sarah Compton with three aces.
“The girls all had a par in the win tonight,” Upper Lake head coach Fawn Rave said. “We were coming into the week short players so I brought down our sophomores. The leadership on the court really made a difference on the court tonight.”
Ashlynn Cruz had seven kills, seven aces and nine digs for Clear Lake (4-5) while teammate Kiara Hopkins added five kills. Jazmine Wiebusch contributed 15 assists and three kills, Aliya Valadez had 16 digs, and Avery Fiske added six kills.
“The Cardinals fought for every ball later in the match but just couldn’t wrap it up,” Short said.
Upper Lake’s teams have a bye on Thursday before returning to action next Tuesday at home against Kelseyville. Clear Lake’s teams are on the road Thursday to play Fort Bragg. JV action begins at 5 p.m.
Match notes: It was the first five-set win for Upper Lake this season. The Cougars took Cloverdale, Fort Bragg and Clear Lake to five sets in their first three leagues matches, leading 2-1 in all three, but ended up losing all of them at home.
