UPDATE: The Marin Catholic girls volleyball team has clinched a spot in the North Coast Section (NCS) Open Division championship after a decisive 3-1 victory over sixth-seeded Campolindo on Wednesday night in Kentfield, California. This win marks a strong comeback just 12 days after a heartbreaking loss in the MCAL final, where they narrowly missed capturing the league title.
After securing the No. 2 seed in the NCS, the Wildcats exhibited resilience and determination, dominating the match with scores of 25-21, 23-25, 25-7, 25-16. Coach Nick Honrada expressed pride in his team’s ability to recover from their previous disappointment. “Suffering any loss like that is so heartbreaking,” he stated. “But for us to come back and practice and get better and leave that in the dust is really great.”
The Wildcats (25-6) now bring an impressive eight-match home win streak into the championship match against fourth-seeded Branson on Saturday, October 28, at 7 PM. This is a rematch of last year’s NCS final, which Branson won, and both teams have split their matchups this season, adding extra intensity to the upcoming showdown.
Although Marin Catholic faced challenges after a lengthy layoff from competitive play, they displayed remarkable skill and focus. Sophomore outside hitter Carolina Delaney led the Wildcats with 20 kills, demonstrating her commitment throughout the practice sessions. “Every practice we were focused. It showed tonight how we practiced,” Delaney commented.
Senior outside hitter Krystal Huff, who is considering an offer from Norfolk State in Virginia, contributed 15 kills and key defensive plays that kept the momentum on Marin Catholic’s side. Middle blocker Boston Norris also played a crucial role in the victory, showcasing the team’s depth.
Honrada highlighted junior libero Aubrey Marne for her exceptional performance, stating, “She’s been working so hard. For her to get that moment in a big match for us is really something special.” Marne’s impactful serves helped the Wildcats regain control after a shaky start, igniting a seven-point run that shifted the momentum.
As the Wildcats closed in on their semifinal win, the Branson coaching staff observed from the sidelines after sweeping Redwood in their semifinal match. This strategic matchup is significant, as Marin Catholic aims to leverage their home advantage this time around, having previously fallen to Branson in last year’s final by scores of 25-17, 25-12, 25-14.
With a rich history of success, including eight consecutive NCS championships from 2014-2022, the Wildcats are poised and ready to reclaim their title. The upcoming match against Branson promises to be a thrilling encounter that fans won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for updates as Marin Catholic prepares for this high-stakes championship match!
