Fourth straight conference victory elevates team to second place in BVC standings
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UKIAH >> Avenging a three-set loss to Yuba College earlier this season in Bay Valley Conference play, the Mendocino College women’s volleyball team beat Yuba in five sets Friday night, rallying for a 20-25, 25-20, 15-25, 25-20, 16-14 victory in Ukiah.
A fourth straight conference win for the Eagles (6-3) leaves them in second place in the BVC standings behind leader Solano College.
“This was a huge win for us tonight, and I’m extremely proud of the girls,” Mendocino College head coach Kat Edmonds said. “They worked hard and battled through all five sets. Our serve receive was very effective, with only three errors.”
Two former Middletown High School stars, Cora Holley and Makayla Mace, both finished with more than 20 kills. Holley, a sophomore, registered 26 kills and two blocks while Mace, a freshman, added 21 kills and 12 digs.
“The girls played awesome and really stepped it up,” Mendocino College assistant coach Marci Psalmonds said. “We implemented a new defense a week go for them and they adapted well to it. We were able to pick up a lo of their hard hits.”
Sophomore setter Jayden Paulich (Kelseyville) led the Eagles with 49 assists while recording two kills, two blocks and two digs. Cali Schnabl (Kelseyville), a freshman libero, added 34 digs. Other team leaders were Emily Gersalia (Clear Lake) with eight digs, Brooke Benson (Lower Lake) with six kills and four blocks, Ava Diaz (Ukiah) with nine digs, and Kayden Paullus (Willits) with three aces.
“Overall, our play was fantastic,” Edmonds said. “Everyone stepped up, played their role, and we were on point in every respect.”
Mendocino College shoots for a fifth straight victory against Napa Valley College on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Ukiah. Like Yuba College, Napa Valley College beat Mendocino during the first half of BVC play. A victory would guarantee the Eagles a winning record in conference action and square their overall record at 11-11.
