Lady Mustang spikers swept out of CCS in three games by Piedmont
Hills
SAN JOSE – The Lady Mustang spikers have relied on their defense all season long to wear down opposing hitters and pave the way to victory.
But in Saturday’s quarterfinal match against No. 2 Piedmont Hills, they found themselves up against another strong defensive team – which could dig out big spikes just like them.
“We were looking at a mirror image of ourselves,” said head coach Sam Navarez, after his squad was swept in three games by game scores of 25-17, 25-15 and 25-19.
“They were not the best team we’ve faced, but they had the best defense,” said senior hitter Lourella Palao, who finished tied for the team-highs in kills with eight and digs with eight. “They watched our other game so they knew where we were going to hit.”
The No. 7 seed Lady Mustangs (22-11 overall) opened the CCS Playoffs with an impressive three-game sweep of No. 10 Oak Grove on their home court. But could not find the same magic on a neutral court at Leland High School.
“We made it. We won a game. We played a very good team. We didn’t give up,” Navarez said. “I’m very proud of them. They did everything we asked of them and then some. Every single one of them contributed to the team’s success this season.”
Junior middle Amanda Link matched Palao’s eight kills, while senior hitter Yanina Gonzalez matched the team-high eight digs and added four kills. Sophomore Catherine Hussey was the assist leader for Gilroy with 17 in the three games.
“I’m so proud of them. They were a great group of girls. They all hung together and had that team nature,” Navarez said. “I’m so glad to be part of it. They’re the focal point. They’re the reason we got here.”
The Lady Mustangs played with their usual fire and tenacity jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first game off the serve of Gonzalez – who tallied an ace in the run. But Piedmont Hills fought back – tying the score at 5-5. Gilroy jumped out to another three-point lead before the score was tied back up at 10-10. Piedmont then went on a 15-7 run to close out the opening game.
There were seven tie scores in the second game until Piedmont Hills used a 4-0 spurt to take the lead for good and then extended to an eight-point advantage at 21-13. Gilroy exchanged points but could not make a run of its own – falling by 10 points.
Fighting elimination in the third game, Gilroy jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with Gonzalez at the service line. Once again, Piedmont Hills battled back to tie the score at 4-4. This time, the Lady Mustangs did not fade and claimed a 13-10 advantage.
Piedmont Hills would not go away – evening the score at 15s and 16s before pushing ahead with six straight points. Gilroy tried to cut into the gap, but ran out of time as Piedmont Hills sealed the match with a 25-19 nod.
“It was more than I expected,” said Palao of reaching the quarterfinals. “We wanted to make CCS and I never thought we would.”
Piedmont Hills will meet No. 3 Santa Teresa in Thursday’s semifinals at Leland High School, while No. 1 Salinas will take on No. 5 Live Oak in the other elimination match. The CCS Finals will be Saturday at West Valley College.
