Ranked first in the Sac-Joaquin Section division II playoffs, the women’s volleyball team fulfilled their expectations, beating Elk Grove in the section championship Nov. 12.

The Wildcats battled all five sets before taking the victory over the Thundering Herd. After getting out to an early lead and snatching the first set 25-17, the women dropped the second set 25-11. They again won the third set by two points but fell in the next to force a fifth set. In the final set, the Cats were able to hold Elk Grove to 13 points taking their third victory and turning it into the first women’s volleyball section title in school history.

Leading the stat lines all season, captains Macey Hayden, Cammie Good and Ellie Basquez emerged as key components to the Wildcats’ win in Lodi. Hayden laid down 33 kills, taking responsibility for over a third of the team’s points throughout the night. Compiling five aces and 47 assists, Good again showed consistency in the serving and setting roles. Playing libero, Basquez contributed 37 digs to the Cats’ win.

Acknowledging that it didn’t come easily, Good accredits the championship to the optimism and perserverance of her team.

“Throughout the match there were ups and downs but we kept a positive attitude the entire time. We continued to play aggressively and did not let the pressure get to us which helped us come away with a victory. It was an amazing experience and I’m so glad I got to share it with my teammates,” Good said.

With one title under their belt, the season is not yet over for the Cats. They were seeded third in the NorCal playoffs bracket and will play in the first round Nov. 16. The match is at home against American and start time is set for 7 p.m.

by RYLEA GILLIS