Carlmont girls’ varsity volleyball has proven that they are a team to remember. A team that is making Carlmont history.
The Scots defeated Granite Bay High School in three sets in the NorCal semifinals on Nov. 23.
“Our coach always tells us to think of every team like it’s the best team you are ever going to play so we just came in expecting they were going to be great. We brought our ‘A-game’ and played hard,” said Maya McClellan, a senior.
In the first set, both teams competed for a lead, but it was not until the last five points of the set that Carlmont proved their superiority. Carlmont won the set 25-20.
“We just try to take it one point at a time and calm down. A lot of times when we get into these losing streaks everyone panics so we tell everyone to calm down and get one point,” said McClellan.
From the beginning, Maya McClellan and Morgan McClellan, a sophomore, proved to be very skilled hitters, but their serves also had an impact on the way the other team played. Maya McClellan had 16 kills, nine digs, and an ace. Morgan McClellan had 10 kills, eight digs, and five aces. Many opposing players struggled to receive their hits.
“Our offense was a little stronger with stronger hitters. Our defense was playing really well too,” said Sophie Srivastava, a senior.
The second set also proved to be in Carlmont’s favor. However, Granite Bay seemed to adjust to the playing style of Carlmont and receive more balls than the previous sets. More of their successful plays revolved around tips or simple bumps over the net. It was not enough to win over the Scots though, as Carlmont won the set 25-21.
One hour into the game, Carlmont already had two wins under their belt. Granite Bay had to win the third set in order to still have a chance of advancing to the championship game.
Their chances to win proved to be slim immediately when Maya McClellan consecutively served the ball six times before Granite Bay could overturn the ball.
Carlmont won the final set of the night 25-15 and advanced to the NorCal championships versus Sacred Heart.
“I said to the girls before the match that we have done a ton of wonderful things this year and now we have a chance to do one more,” said Head Coach Chris Crader.
On the same night, Sacred Heart defeated Notre Dame High School three out of four sets: 20-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19.
In addition to the McClellans’ remarkable statistics from the match, Srivastava had 30 assists, eight digs, three blocks, and a kill. Tai Mei Chang, a senior, had 18 digs and an ace. Emma Vanoncini, a senior, had four kills and three blocks. Alisha Mitha, a sophomore, had five kills. Elizabeth Prozell had two kills and three blocks.
Carlmont will be playing Sacred Heart Prep on Nov. 25 at the NorCal Championship match.
“I am most excited to be playing in the first NorCal volleyball finals for Carlmont ever! And all the people who come to watch us make everything super special,” said Srivastava.
