The Pioneer High School volleyball team got back on track Thursday night with a quick three-set sweep over Monticello Empire League rivals Sacramento, by scores of 25-1, 25-4, and 25-1.
The Patriots (15-11, 6-3 MEL) came into the match looking to get back on track following a Tuesday night four-set road loss to the MEL’s second-placed team, River City, by the scores of 18-25, 25-14, 22-25, and 18-25.
“I think we definitely didn’t play to our full potential (against River City),” Patriots senior libero Layla Medalle said. “But I do think we can use that match as motivation to keep up the consistency and play better.”
Pioneer High School junior Lily Olsen goes to set up a teammate with an assist during the Patriots’ Monticello Empire League win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 8. CARLOS GUERRERO — DAILY DEMOCRAT
Pioneer High School senior Mia Gill slams home a kill during the Patriots Monticello Empire League win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 8. CARLOS GUERRERO — DAILY DEMOCRAT
Pioneer High School senior Ava Casias goes for a serve attempt during the Patriots Monticello Empire League win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 8. CARLOS GUERRERO — DAILY DEMOCRAT
Pioneer High School sophomore Kaydence Gill slams home a kill attempt during the Patriots Monticello Empire League win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 8. CARLOS GUERRERO — DAILY DEMOCRAT
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Pioneer High School junior Lily Olsen goes to set up a teammate with an assist during the Patriots’ Monticello Empire League win over Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 8. CARLOS GUERRERO — DAILY DEMOCRAT
“I think the second set (against River City), we really played like you saw when we played against Rodriguez,” Patriots head coach Annie Carter recalled. “In the other sets, we were a bit inconsistent, as we could not put the ball away, like we were keeping it off the floor with really long rallies, but we just could not find the floor on the other side.
“I think they really competed against River City and did a good job; it just didn’t come out the way we wanted to, as I think we could have won. But I think that overall we are improving in our consistency and getting better, so I am proud of them.”
Sacramento (0-13, 0-8 MEL) came into the showdown on tough times, having yet to win a game this season. In the two teams’ first meeting back on Sept. 15 in Sacramento, the Patriots won in three quick sets by the scores of 25-2, 25-6 and 25-1.
Following a big first-set win, the Patriots continued to dominate, finishing the second set 25-4. The third set played out much like the first two, with the Patriots jumping out to a lead that Sacramento could not compete with, winning 25-1.
Up next for the Patriots is a weekend off before a stern test on the road against first-placed Vacaville next week, set for Tuesday, Oct. 13.
“They are a very good team, and have some really good hitters, so for me, it’s very exciting to think about getting a good dig against them. But they are really good and hard to dig,” Medalle said. “I do think playing them will give us a little bit more experience going into the playoffs. I know they usually move up divisions, so they play even more competitive games, so when they play us, it makes us better because they are so good.”
“I expect us to compete as I always do,” Carter said. “I expect them to go out and do what they know how to do and be consistent doing it. If they come out with the high energy and consistency they did against Rodriguez, I think they have a shot.”
After that, the Patriots will then have only two games left before the playoffs begin, both at home against Vanden and Wood on Oct. 20 and Oct. 22, respectively.
“I want to see some consistency to end the year,” Carter said. “It has kind of been the word of the year, and so they need to continue to play hard. Even if you already beat someone, it doesnt mean they haven’t improved too. Wood and Vanden have probably fixed the things they needed to fix, and they are going to come in and want to win. Everyone wants to move up in the standings.”
“All of the seniors are so supportive, and I have played with them for so long,” Medalle said. “We just have so much chemistry with each other, and I am so sad that we won’t be able to play with each other after this, but I am so excited to be on the court with them at the same time and be able to finish the season together.’