Sports
Girls Volleyball: Campo Aces NorCal First Round Test
The Cougars sweeps Foothill-Palo Cedro while giving up only 18 points in the first two games.
Campolindo d. Foothill-Palo Cedro 25-9, 25-9, 25-15
Records: Campolindo 31-4, Foothill 19-23.
The Star: Setter Sophie Seiberth passed the ball beautifully and collected 22 assists while setting her teammates up for big-time slams.
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The Turning Point: In the first two games, Foothill led only once, 2-1 at the beginning of the first game. Campo dominated the match, downing Foothill 3-0.
The Quote: "It's exciting to be in the position we are in, where we keep pulling through as a team," Campolindo setter Sophie Seiberth said.
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Who's Next? Sacred Heart at Campolindo, 7 p.m. Saturday
The Bottom Line: The Cougars made short work of an overmatched Foothill team and are clicking on all cylinders heading into the NorCal semifinals.
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dispatched Foothill-Palo Cedro in just 52 minutes in the first round of the NorCal Championship tournament Tuesday night.
The Cougars pounced on Foothill early, with matching 25-9 victories in the first two games prior to emptying their bench for the third.
"It was really exciting to see our subs step up and take over," said setter Sophie Seiberth.
The subs, led by the likes of Stacy Drury, Mallory Loomis, Lena Olufson, Kit Koelzer and Brooke Stranding, played the entire third game, downing Foothill 25-15.
"We have a deep team with a lot of talent but we do not get the opportunity to get everyone out there most nights," said Campolindo coach Scott Bishop. "This was a great opportunity for them to get some postseason experience and come up with the win. I was very proud of our bench."
Senior All-DFAL players Mary Vaccaro and Abbie Noland sparkled early, receiving perfect sets from Seiberth (22 assists) and turning them into huge spikes. Vaccaro totaled seven kills and two blocks, while Noland collected four kills and an ace.
"(Campolindo) is fantastic," Foothill coach Tom Lowe said. "They are the No. 1 Division III team in the state, and rightfully so."
The Cougars are playing their best volleyball at the most important time of the year and their confidence grows with each match. In the North Coast Section finals, after destroying a potent, 34-win Drake team in straight sets, the Cougars have their sights set on a state championship.
"They have great hitters, excellent ball control and we simply do not match up," said Lowe. "The definitely have a shot (at winning a state championship)."
Campo's Annie Shurtz and Anisa Smith had a strong presence at the net, blocking and killing balls efficiently. Shurtz recorded seven kills to Smith's six and they combined for three impressive blocks.
"Everyone on the team is on the same page," Bishop said. "They are enjoying themselves and playing at a high level. We are certainly peaking at the right time. The Drake match showed the level we are capable of playing at and if we maintain that momentum, I think we have a really good chance at (winning a state title)."
The Cougars advance to the second round of the Northern California playoffs to face the winner of St. Ignacius/Sacred Heart for a chance to play in the regional finals.
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