Mendocino awaits word on playoffs after closing regular season against Contra Costa
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UKIAH >> Closing out a strong Bay Valley Conference volleyball regular season, the Mendocino Eagles celebrated their sophomores with a 28-26, 25-11, 19-25, 25-11 win over Contra Costa College Friday night in Ukiah.
Mendocino College finishes BVC play tied with Yuba College at 8-4, good for second place behind champion Solano. The Eagles also improved to 12-12 on the season. They will learn Sunday whether or not they have advanced to the playoffs as an automatic selection out of the BVC (the top two teams move on) or as an at-large team.
“Our team came to play tonight, and it was a great way to end the season,” Mendocino College head coach Kat Edmonds said. “Sophomores Jayden (Paulich) and Cora (Holley) had some big plays to pull us ahead in the last set, with Jayden Paulich acing game point.”
Paulich (Kelseyville) led the Eagles in assists (43) and aces (11) while also collecting 16 digs and a kill. Holley contributed a team-high 18 kills and three blocks as well as one dig and one ace.
“The girls had a great season, and I am proud of them on making changes throughout the season and becoming great volleyball players,” Mendocino College assistant coach Marci Psalmonds said. “Jayden and Cora are going to be missed for sure.”
Other Mendocino College leaders against Contra Costa were Cali Schnabl (Kelseyville) with 19 digs and one assist; Rylie King (Analy) with seven digs and six kills; Ava Diaz (Ukiah) with nine digs and one ace; Makayla Mace (Middletown) with 10 kills and 10 digs; Briana Sanchez (Ukiah) with two kills, one assist and one block; Brooke Benson (Lower Lake) with eight kills; Emily Gersalia (Clear Lake) with three digs; and Kayden Paullus (Willits) with two digs and one ace.
“I am already looking forward to next season with the nine freshmen and new recruits,” Psalmonds said. “Mendo is going to be a team to watch next year.”
