Both Lake County varsity squads drop road matches in three sets
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ROHNERT PARK >> The match only went three games, but nearly every point was contested as the Credo Gryphon defeated the Upper Lake Cougars 25-20, 29-27, 26-24 in non-league varsity volleyball action Tuesday night in Rohnert Park.
“All three sets were close until the end, and tonight’s loss was a tough one,” Upper Lake head coach Fawn Rave. “We started the game off like we just had the last week off, and it hurt us. In the second set the girls came out ready.”
In the second set, Aubree Sperber’s nine-point run from the service line powered the Cougars along with some powerful hits from Alyssa John, who led the team with 11 kills. Sperber finished with five kills, four aces, seven digs and two blocks.
“Our girls did great up front and from the service line, but we had too many holes and not strong coverage,” Rave said. “Credo took advantage of that.”
Upper Lake lost John to an ankle injury early in the third set.
“We had to make some adjustments,” Rave said. “The girls were doing good and fighting for each point, but we just struggled with communication and working together. We have some things to work on, but I’m looking forward to them growing together as a team.”
Rilee Sperber led the Cougars with 18 assists, and Jordyn Parker added four kills, two blocks and two aces. John also had five digs, two blocks and two assists.
Upper Lake is on the road Wednesday to play Laytonville. Junior varsity action starts at 5 p.m.
In JV action Tuesday, Upper Lake defeated Credo 25-16, 25-19. Taylin Sharp led the Cougars with 10 service points, including five aces.
Other Upper Lake leaders were Mariah Hoaglen with four kills and one ace, Bristol Stiritz with three kills and two aces, and Jordun Hughes with three kills and three aces.
“Everyone played,” Upper Lake head coach Raelene Cromwell said. “They have learned to play together and work hard as a team.”
In other non-league volleyball action Tuesday:
Pierce def. Clear Lake
At Arbuckle, the Pierce Bears beat the Clear Lake Cardinals 25-23, 25-10, 25-15.
Aniya Jauregui’s six kills and two aces led the Cardinals. Ashlynn Cruz finished with three kills and three aces.
“They fought especially hard in the first set and showed great determination, but unfortunately fell just short,” Clear Lake head coach Izzy Short said.
JV match results weren’t reported.
Clear Lake visits Cloverdale on Wednesday.
