North Central League I volleyball race opens around the Redwood Empire
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LOWER LAKE >> The defending North Central League I champions won their 2025 league opener Tuesday night, the Kelseyville Knights opening a new NCL I race with a 25-10, 25-18, 25-11 victory over the Lower Lake Trojans at Lower Lake.
Though the Knights (1-0) lost a handful of All-League starters to graduation, they figure to make another run a league championship behind the likes of Ashlyn Wurm (five digs), Riley Hanson (eight aces and five assists) and Mati Mateer (eight kills).
“Good start for the season,” Kelseyville head coach Donelle McCallister said of the Knights’ league opener. “It gave us a chance to see where we needed to work for the next match.”
Lower Lake first-year head coach Victoria Poni said she knew the Trojans (0-1) had their hands full opening league play against the defending champions, but that she was pleased with the Trojans’ effort.
“We came in a little nervous, but the girls played their hearts out,” Poni said. “All of our hitters got some good swings.”
Poni said several of her players stepped up, though he didn’t want to single any of them out.
“I want to name them all, I thought they all did well,” she said.
In junior varsity action, Kelseyville beat Lower Lake 25-12, 25-17 behind four aces from Mali Rico, four digs from Gabby Keyes, and three kills apiece from Olivia Arredondo and Paelynn Beall.
Both teams return to action Thursday. Kelseyville hosts Middletown while Lower Lake travels to Fort Bragg. JV play at both locations begins at 5 p.m.
In other league openers Tuesday:
Cloverdale def. Middletown
At Middletown, their roster down to eight players, the Middletown Mustangs battled the Eagles in the first set before Cloverdale took control of the match, winning 27-25, 25-7, 25-8.
One of those remaining eight players left the match early with an injury, further complicating things for Middletown head coach Erika Galvan, who was left with a single reserve.
“We had worked out a defense that was working well for us, however, one of my key players came out with an injury for the remainder of the game,” Galvan said. “I was very impressed in how each girl stepped up tonight. They really worked together as a team tonight and supported each other. I will have to look at our lineup going into Thursday against Kelseyville and adjust some things.”
Carly Johnson’s six kills and three aces were among the highlights for Middletown. Izzi Hoogendoorn added five kills, four service points and one block.
“She also played some great defense,” Galvan said of Hoogendoorn, a sophomore. “She hustles on the court.”
Galvan said Hoogendoorn, Samantha Maccario and Hailey Williams all stepped up their efforts against Cloverdale.
“They have been pushing themselves and solidifying their roles on the squad,” Galvan said.
In JV action, Middletown beat Cloverdale 25-14, 25-15 behind setter Hannah Tribby (10 assists, four service points, three aces), outside hitter Emma Jones (12 service points, eight aces, five digs, three kills), middle blocker Grace Williams (11 service points, seven aces, two kills, two digs), outside hitter Emma Davis (five kills, five digs) and middle blocker Jolene Holley (four kills).
“Their chemistry on the court was seamless,” Middletown head coach Vanessa Davis said. “I love watching a young team play in system volleyball every play. It gives me pure joy as a coach.”
Jones served 11 straight points in the first set, including eight aces.
“She served aggressive and smart,” Davis said. “She is really coming into her strength.”
Davis also praised the play of Holley and Tribby.
“Jolene Holley had a dominant game as well, playing very aggressive at the net, including a block,” Davis said. “Hannah Tribby, our captain setter, is really taking her skill to the next level, spreading our offense in a smart and strategic way.”
Middletown’s teams visit Kelseyville on Thursday. JV action begins at 5 p.m.
Fort Bragg def. Upper Lake
At Fort Bragg, the Upper Lake Cougars battled hard, but the Fort Bragg Timberwolves came away with the 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 25-16 win.
“We started off slow, similar to our match against Willits last week,” Upper Lake head coach Dani Paige Gudmundson said. “I though we had worked through those early-game struggles, but unfortunately we weren’t able to push through for the overall win.”
Camila Martin had a big match for the Cougars with 14 assists, 10 digs and 10 service points. Other team leaders were Alyssa John with 11 digs, nine kills and eight blocks, Aimee Schaefers with eight digs, seven kills and four blocks, and Ava Witter with 14 service points.
“There were some great rallies, and I believe we’ve identified our biggest weakness,” Gudmundson said. “We’ll be back in the gym tomorrow to work through those struggles and prepare for Thursday’s game at Clear Lake.”
Gudmundson praised the play of John, Martin and Witter.
“Alyssa John was aggressive and controlled the net,” Gudmundson said. “Camila Martin played with hustle and a level head. Ava Witter’s serving kept us in the game across all four sets.”
Fort Bragg needed three sets to beat Upper Lake in JV action, 25-17, 16-25, 15-13.
“Had a good first set, all the girls were doing good,” Upper Lake head coach Fawn Rave said. “We struggled in the second set and just couldn’t fight back. The third set we started good and had a good run of serves from Kylee Solorio. The girls fought for each point; we just couldn’t pull off the win.”
Solorio finished with nine service points, six aces, three assists and three digs. Jordyn Parker added four kills and one block while Kyra Santos had two kills and two blocks.
St. Helena def. Clear Lake
At Lakeport, the St. Helena Saints needed four sets to defeat the Clear Lake Cardinals, 25-19, 11-25, 25-16, 25-23.
No other details were reported.
St. Helena also won the JV match, 25-18, 25-14.
“I’m proud of this new group of enthusiastic and hard-working girls who played hard,” Clear Lake junior varsity head coach Norberto Quiroz said. “Aliyah Valadez stepped in to set, with Gurleen Kaur and Kiara Hopkins adding some experienced play.”
Clear Lake’s teams are home Thursday to play Upper Lake beginning with the JV match at 5 p.m.
