With tensions high, the stands filled with anxious parents and Screaming Scots, Carlmont girls varsity volleyball began their first match of Central Coast Section (CCS) championships.
On Nov. 5, Carlmont drafted Salinas High in the first round of CCS, moving on to face another game. After a four-set game, the Scots were able to shut down the Cowboys with good communication, intense energy, and determination.
Due to the incredible chemistry between junior Maya McClellan and her sister, freshman Morgan McClellan the duo helped guide the Scots to a solid start of the set. Although the Cowboys put up a good fight and even took the lead at times, Carlmont won the set 25 to 22.
“It is awesome playing with my sister. The hardest part is keeping our home life and volleyball life separate, but I love having her on the court. It’s been amazing seeing her grow as a player this year,” said Maya McClellan.
Carlmont consistent passing, strong spiking, and high moral helped them win the second set 25 to 22
Due to miscommunication, poor passing, and low energy, the Scots started to lose their flow in the third set. Leveraging off of this, the Cowboys began to take the lead and ended up winning the set 25 to 21.
“Our energy picked up a lot. Everyone, especially our defense and our server receives, got a lot better and more consistent,” said Salinas player Rose Taylor.
At the beginning of the fourth set, senior Sarah Smyth led on the the Scots to a seven to zero lead. Salinas kept up a good fight but finally fell. Winning the fourth set, Carlmont took the whole game, advancing to the next round of CCS.
“We fought hard and made a few more errors than we would have liked. We’d go on a run, then miss a serve, and gave up a few too many aces, but I thought we played very well. We played with a lot of heart,” said head coach Chris Crader.
The Scots will be facing either Los Gatos or Monta Vista this upcoming Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Los Gatos.
“Going forward, we want to have a stronger mentality going into the game, better trust, and communication. I’m not sure who we are playing next, but they better watch out,” said senior Erin Wise.
