Central Catholic sweeps Oakdale in VOL match, stays perfect in league
The Central Catholic volleyball team graduated nearly all of the starters from last season’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division III runner-up team but that hasn’t stopped them from putting together another league title-worthy season.
The Raiders (16-7, 9-0 VOL) once again sit atop the league standings and are hoping to make a deep run when the postseason kicks off in the coming weeks.
“The thing about these girls is when push comes to shove, they’re always stepping up,” head coach Michelle Springmeyer said. “They’ve worked really hard.”
The team took on its latest challenge Thursday night in a league matchup against Oakdale and passed with flying colors. After winning in four sets earlier this season, the Raiders swept the Mustangs 25-9, 25-19, 25-19 to maintain their perfect league record and keep the top spot headed into the last week of their regular season.
The Raiders’ two returning starters led the way. Junior Alyssa Thomas had a team-high 17 kills and added six digs. Senior Morgan Lung, a four-year varsity player, was credited with 30 digs and two aces. Senior setter Hannah Tillery led the team with 40 assists. Czyleah Pabustan added 15 kills.
“It felt like we were really in sync tonight, had a really good focus and really good energy.” Springmeyer said.
The Raiders went into the season with the hopes of having a season like they did last year, claiming a league championship, advancing deep in the section playoffs and qualifying for a state NorCal appearance. But Springmeyer, in her sixth and final season with the Raiders, knows it’s a long season.
“Obviously you think big, but you take care of what’s in front of you,” said Springmeyer, who has over a decade of coaching experience between Central Catholic and Sierra High. “Knowing what we needed to do to take care of league, knowing what we need to do going in to prepare for playoffs, understanding what we have on staff and what we need, and what we need to do to fulfill goals that we have.”
The Raiders finish league play at home against Mountain House Monday, Oct. 22. The playoff brackets will be released Friday, Oct. 25 by 4 p.m., according to the section website and first round games begin Oct. 29.
VOLLEYBALL
Escalon 3, Ripon Christian 2: The Cougars and Knights dueled in a five-set thriller that went back-and-forth the entire night. The Knights won the first set and the Cougars responded by winning the next two. Ripon Christian took the fourth and Escalon finished off the decisive fifth set with a 15-7 win. The Knights finish out TVL play with games next week against Orestimba and Sonora while Escalon plays Ripon and Orestimba in its final two league contests.
Calaveras 3, Riverbank 0: Madison Jennings had a team-high 10 kills and 10 aces for the Red Hawks, leading them to a sweep of the Bruins in a Mother Lode League contest. Emma Brim led the team with 28 assists. Riverbank will search for its first league win in the regular season finale Oct. 22 at Bret Harte.
Ripon 3, Sonora 0: Ripon remain perfect in TVL play, securing the sweep in three competitive sets. Ripon won 25-22, 25-22, 25-17 to take home its fourth straight match. It plays Escalon Oct. 22 and second place Hilmar Oct. 24 in the last two league games.
Mountain House 3, Patterson 0: The Tigers could not earn their first VOL victory, despite playing Mountain House competitive throughout the match. In the end, the Mustangs took home a 25-16, 25-21, 25-16 victory solidifying third place in the league.
Pitman 3, Enochs 0: Pitman remained unbeaten in CCAL play with Thursday’s 25-16, 25-19, 25-15 sweep over Enochs. Mia Ngo led the team with 10 kills and four blocks. Aila Reich had a team-high 26 digs and Danica Zamora led the team with 25 assists. Both teams finish league play next week. The Eagles host Turlock and the Pride travel to Gregori.
Downey 3, Turlock 0: The Knights took over second place in the CCAL, sweeping Turlock 25-18, 25-18, 25-22. With the win, Downey secures its first playoff berth since 2021. Both teams finish the regular season next week as the Knights host Modesto and the Bulldogs travel to Enochs.
Big Valley Christian 3, Linden 1: The Lions remained perfect in Mother Lode League play with their win Thursday. After dropping the first set, they went on to win the next three straight securing a 22-25, 25-16, 25-10, 25-19 victory. They put their five-game win streak to the test Oct. 22 in the regular season finale on the road against Calaveras.
Hughson 3, Orestimba 0: Senior Emily Yarbrough finished with a team-high 14 kills and sophomore Olivia Piazza added 10 to lead the Huskies to their fourth TVL win. Izzy Piazza (24 digs) Yarbrough (16 digs) and Olivia Piazza (13) digs led the team defensively.
