Emma Pioske gets ready to set the ball against Stone Ridge Christian last week. Photos by Amanda White
The crowd was loud and proud as the Mariposa County High School volleyball teams took the court on Oct. 15.
The Grizzlies hosted rival Stone Ridge Christian at MCHS where both JV and varsity showed exactly why they’re dominating in league this season.
JV won 2-0 with set scores 19-15 and 17-15.
The varsity team entered the match undefeated and only added another tally to win column as they came out on top 3-1.
“We played well tonight,” said coach Holly Earling.
“That tournament we went to over the weekend playing Division I schools really helped.”
The Knights gave the Grizzlies a competitive game as the scored remained close during the first set.
After some back and forth, MCHS was able to grab the first set 25-19.
Stone Ridge made some adjustments and pushed back during the second set, winning 25-23.
The Grizzlies came out in the third set with a sense of urgency. With Abby Beery at the service line, MCHS quickly went up 11-1.
Grace Beery high fives Abby Beery as players cheer on their team from the sidelines.
MCHS took the set with the largest margin of the night at 25-12.
Stone Ridge Christian continued to battle but it wasn’t enough.
In front of a loud and supportive crowd, the Grizzlies shut the door and took the set at 25-18, winning 3-1 overall.
Senior Sage Hawley was a factor with 14 kills, seven digs and 11 receptions.
“Sage played really well,” the coach said.
“She’s really good defensively and she’s a great six rotation player.”
Gillian Pioske had a night with 11 kills and six digs.
Izzy Whited had 12 kills while Mia Hansen had 18 digs, four assists and 26 receptions.
Junior Emma Pioske continues to shine as she had 12 kills, 13 digs and a whopping 44 assists against the Knights.
“Emma and Izzy were really clicking tonight,” Earling said.
“Emma runs a really good offense and she makes really great decisions — where to set, when to set and that just really helps everybody on the floor.”
Izzy Whited jumps to block as Gillian Pioske and Emma Pioske anticipate the play.
Emma Pioske is not only having a fantastic season, but a phenomenal high school career with volleyball and she has another full season ahead next year.
“Over the weekend Emma went over 1,500 career assists so that’s pretty awesome. We don’t really do that often here,” said Earling.
“She’s over 800 on the season and she still has a whole year left.”
After the win over Stone Ridge Christian, Emma Pioske had 872 assists already during this season alone and a combined 1,613 assists over her high school career thus far.
“It’s a pretty cool accomplishment for her,” the coach said.
With only two games remaining in the regular season, the Grizzlies traveled to Denair to face the Coyotes on Oct. 20.
MCHS shut out Denair 3-0.
Set scores were 25-14, 25-11 and 25-20.
After the win over the Coyotes, the Grizzlies remained undefeated in league with a record of 13-0.
On Oct. 22, the Grizzlies celebrated their seniors on senior night as they hosted the Bulldogs from Le Grand to wrap up the regular season.
Results for this game as well as playoff information were not available at press time.
To stay up to date with playoff information, follow the group on Facebook at www.facebook.com/grizzlyvball
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