Pierce defeats Clear Lake in non-league action
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UPPER LAKE >> Upper Lake High School held a moment of silence for the late Mandy Figg, the wife of Upper Lake athletic director Brian Figg, prior to its non-league volleyball matches with the Willits Wolverines on Tuesday in Upper Lake.
“Her presence and support were felt deeply in our gym tonight,” Upper Lake varsity head coach Dani Paige Gudmundson Pena said.
After dropping the first set to Willits, Upper Lake came roaring back to win the varsity match 22-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-12.
“We dropped the first set as we worked to find our rhythm and energy,” Gudmunson Pena said. “In the second set, though, the team battled back from a 14-8 deficit. A highlight came from senior Aimee Schaefers, who had a beautiful one-handed block that really set the tone.”
Added Gudmundson Pena, “The third set was a point-for-point battle that ended with Upper Lake on top. By the fourth, everything clicked; the hustle, energy and teamwork all came together.”
Schaefers finished with nine kills and eight blocks. Alyssa John had a solid all-around performance with 10 service points, including eight aces, nine kills, seven digs and six blocks. Camila Martin added 15 assists and nine service points.
Upper Lake opens its North Central League I schedule Tuesday in Fort Bragg.
The Cougars also won the junior varsity match, beating Willits 25-18, 25-14.
“Everyone got a chance on the court today and they all did great,” Upper Lake head coach Fawn Rave said. “We had a great night from the service line with a team total of 20 aces. We have some work to get the girls comfortable swinging at the net and I’m looking forward to an exciting season once they do. All around it looks like it will be a fun season.”
Matilda Tillie Boomer had a team-best eight aces while teammate Jordyn Parker added three kills, two aces and two assists.
Pierce def. Clear Lake
At Lakeport, Pierce swept Clear Lake 25-23, 25-13, 25-16 in non-league action.
“Our team showed great hustle and energy in the first set, but we struggled defensively and couldn’t quite find our rhythm,” Clear Lake head coach Izzy Bonilla said. “While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, it was a valuable learning experience that will help us refocus and prepare as we head into league play next week.”
Faith McIntire led the Cardinal with five kills. Lindee Bingham added four blocks, Ashlynn Cruz eight digs and Jazmin Wiebusch three aces.
Pierce won the junior varsity match 25-16, 25-18.
Clear Lake hosts St. Helena in its league opener Tuesday. JV action begins at 5 p.m.
