Pitman volleyball opens CCAL play with sweep of Gregori
The Pitman High volleyball team graduated seven seniors from last year’s Central California League championship squad and it showed as the Pride started the season 4-2 after their first tournament.
They showed promise, but they weren’t where coach Kristen Pontes-Christian knew they could be.
“We started as 11 individuals who have a lot of talent, who played club volleyball and who know the game so well but putting it together on the court, we didn’t trust each other.”
Over time, the team has begun to gain valuable experience and, most importantly, trust each other. They haven’t lost a game since, boasting a 15-2 record and key wins against Sierra, El Capitan and Ripon Christian for the Central California Classic championship.
“Now, we’re 11 teammates who are really cohesive and we’re playing together.” Pontes-Christian said.
The Pride got their first shot at chasing their second straight CCAL title on Wednesday against Gregori. They continued their success, extending their win streak to 12 games with a 25-5, 25-17, 25-10 sweep of Gregori (1-9, 0-1 CCAL).
“I think that we’ve improved tenfold,” said junior right side Ella Sniezek who finished with 10 kills and eight digs. “We’ve gelled as a team from different clubs to become one team. It’s just been really great.”
The Pride flexed their muscles early, extending a 16-2 lead en route to a 25-2 first-set win.
The Jaguars wouldn’t go away easily. The bright spots they displayed in the first set came together in the second. The Jaguars tied the set at 10 and answered any small Pitman run with a point of its own. First-year coach Alyssa Bartlett has been teaching her team that no matter how it comes, a point is a point, and she saw the team begin to believe it.
“We’ve been working on making people move forward because a kill is the same whether it’s a really hard swing, or just a tip,” Bartlett said. “We’re explaining to them that the best kill of your life is no different than somebody serving. We have to cheer the same and put the same energy into every single point, not just the exciting ones.”
The Pride regained control in the third set. Two straight Lauren Hamilton kills opened up a 13-6 lead. Pitman went on to outscore the host Jaguars 12-4 for the rest of the set to finish off the match with a 25-10 win.
“It’s a great step in the right direction,” Pontes-Christian said. “Getting that first win under our belt is really big. These girls really want to get back-to-back championships but again, we know that it’s going to take work.”
Returning senior Reese Carmona finished with a team-high 17 digs. Payton Rowell, who took over setting duties after the graduation of Julia Magnu, finished with 35 assists. Sniezek and Madison Eissayou led the team with 10 kills.
Both teams resume league play on Monday as Pitman hosts Downey and Gregori visits Enochs.
Stanislaus District Volleyball Scores
Escalon 3, Ripon 0
El Capitan 3, Central Valley 0
Hughson 3, Ceres 0
Downey 3, Modesto 0
Turlock 3, Enochs 1
