Modesto’s Enochs snaps four-year drought in volleyball playoffs

Enochs High cruised to a 25-9, 23-25, 25-19, 25-7 over Monterey Trail in the opening round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I volleyball playoffs Tuesday night at the Enochs gymnasium.

The victory ended the No. 7 Eagles streak of losing 12 consecutive in the playoffs. They were bounced 3-0 in the second round of the 2012 postseason, and were ousted 3-0 in the first round each of the last three years.

Enochs can thank Modesto Metro Conference rival Gregori for the boost.

The Eagles and Jaguars, who split their MMC matches, played a best-of-three mini-playoff Thursday to determine the league’s No. 1 playoff seed.

“That definitely sent us into the playoffs on a high note,” said first-year head coach Jaclyn Hollis, who served as the team’s junior varsity coach the past two seasons. “We’re ready for whatever comes our way.”

Senior middle blocker Rachael Martin agreed with her coach.

“We proved ourselves in that game,” said Martin, who had 20 kills and nine blocks against the Mustangs (13-10). “We definitely played all out, and with heart, and that set the tone for this game.”

Enochs (26-12) has now qualified for the section tournament eight consecutive years – the previous seven under former head coach Cathi Varni – and Tuesday’s win marks just the third time that it has made it past the first round.

Setter Ashley Maki had 25 assists, libero Micaela Kent totaled 36 digs and outside hitter Vanessa Quevedo chipped in with five ace serves.

Up next for the Eagles is No. 2 seed Tracy (34-3), a 25-15, 25-10, 25-10 winner over Chavez. The teams will meet Thursday at 7 p.m. in Tracy.

This story was originally published November 1, 2016 at 11:06 PM with the headline "Modesto’s Enochs snaps four-year drought in volleyball playoffs."