Upper Lake throws early scare at Redwood Christian in Division 5 opener
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SAN LORENZO >> No. 15 seed Upper Lake got the jump on No. 2 seed Redwood Christian in the first set Tuesday night during the opening round of the North Coast Section Division 5 volleyball playoffs in San Lorenzo, but the Eagles recovered for a 23-25, 25-15, 25-17, 25-22 victory that will carry them in Saturday’s quarterfinals against Encinal.
Upper Lake, the fifth-place team in the North Central League I this season, finishes the season 10-10.
“We went to Redwood Christian and played some really good volleyball … and some not-so-good volleyball,” Upper Lake head coach Dani Paige Gudmundson said. “We came out strong in the first set, confident and connected. Then something shifted and, for whatever reason, we couldn’t quite find our rhythm again until the fourth (set). It’s hard because I know we’re capable of more. We should be heading into the next round, and that stings.”
Alyssa John finished with 16 kills, nine blocks, 14 digs and six service points in the loss while Camila Martin had 18 assists and four service points. Aimee Schaefers added eight kills, 21 blocks, three digs, three service points and one ace. and Rylee Jones had 10 service points, four digs and one assist.
“This one’s going to sit with me for a while,” Gudmundson said of the season-ending loss. “But I’m proud, proud of the team, proud of the growth, and proud of the fight we’ve shown all season. I’m especially going to miss my seniors. I’m just grateful I got one more night on the court with them.”
