The varsity team is shown after going undefeated and becoming league champs for the second consecutive year. Back from left are Gillian Pioske, Allie Casner, Emma Pioske, Chloe King, Zoey Hofstee, Abby Beery, Grace Beery, Taylor Krull and Kylie Williams. Front from left are Izzy Whited, Mia Hansen and Sage Hawley. Photos by Amanda White
They’ve done it again. The Mariposa County Grizzlies varsity volleyball team are back-to-back undefeated Southern League champs.
The Grizzlies hosted the Bulldogs from Le Grand to wrap up the regular season on Oct. 22 at MCHS where the group celebrated their seniors during Senior Night.
The JV team continued to dominate as they won 2-0. Set scores were 25-13 and 25-13.
The varsity squad came out and left it all on the court for their seniors, Sage Hawley, Izzy Whited and Mia Hansen.
They shut out Le Grand 3-0.
Set scores were 25-7, 25-9 and 25-13.
“They all work really hard,” said coach Holly Earling.
“It’s just really exciting to see them succeed.”
Hawley had nine kills, two aces, one block and four digs.
Hansen put up one ace, 11 serving points, two digs and 10 receptions.
Whited ended the night with three kills and three blocks.
Gillian Pioske had a night with eight kills, three aces and 10 serving points.
The team celebrated seniors Izzy Whited, Mia Hansen and Sage Hawley during senior night.
Emma Pioske continues to increase her assist record as she added 34 more to her total this season which sits at 935.
She also had four kills, three aces and 15 serving points.
Emma Pioske now has 1,676 assists so far during her high school career with another full season to come.
After the game, the team celebrated seniors Hawley, Whited and Hansen.
“Between here and club I’ve had them for a long time,” Earling said.
“They’ve been one of my favorite groups.”
This group of seniors have been standout leaders on the team over the past two years.
“Sage (Hawley) is just consistent. She’s one of the nicest girls out there and she’s very supportive of all of her teammates,” Earling said.
“She doesn’t really get down on herself and she never has trouble just moving on.”
Whited has only continued to build confidence and improve.
“Izzy (Whited) is such a hard worker,” Earling said.
Izzy Whited attempts to block against Le Grand last week at MCHS.
“From last season to this season, the improvement has been incredible. The middle is hard if not the hardest position there is and she is always up and ready. I love that about her.”
Hansen has been a key defensive player.
“Mia is just tough and she’s really competitive,” continued Earling.
“She’s a go-getter and my more feisty one. She works really hard.”
As the regular season comes to a close, the group is soaking up every moment.
“All three seniors are very different but they’ve been playing together a long time,” Earling said.
“They’re the heart of this team and we’re all really going to miss them.”
The Grizzlies finished the season undefeated at 14-0 in the Southern League and have gone undefeated for two consecutive years.
“It’s fun. We have a core group that’s been here for both years and these three seniors have been a huge part of that,” the coach said.
“They’ve led the team both years and it’s always fun to see them succeed.”
Sage Hawley receives the ball while Mia Hansen anticipates the play.
The Grizzlies hosted Bret Harte at MCHS on Oct. 28 for the first round of playoffs.
Results were not available at press time.
To stay up to date with playoff information, visit MCHS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MariposaCountyHighSchool
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