By: Krissy Hetherington and Nick Trevino
After a mean 39-0 hot streak and undefeated season, Redwood’s Varsity Volleyball team finished their season in the first round of DII CIF State Playoffs on Tuesday, November 13th.
Prior to State Playoffs, Redwood made a valiant effort towards their end goal of sealing a Valley Championship.
For the first round of DII Central Section Playoffs, No. 1 seed Redwood, easily crushed No. 16 seed Yosemite in three sets.
On Halloween, Redwood continued their crushed Mt. Whitney in three sets for the Quarterfinals game.
Going into the semi-final game, Redwood held the best record in the state, outright won the West Yosemite League Championship and had only lost six total sets.
In the Semi-finals game here at Redwood, the Rangers were defeated 3-1 by No. 4 Bakersfield Christian on Thursday, Novemeber 13th.
“39-1 is a school record and this team did it by being determined, working hard, being good teammates and not expecting to win like they did…Never did we take anything for granted,” Montgomery said.
Redwood’s Maddy Tamayo, senior captain, totaled 16 digs and 20 kills and was assisted by Mia Gilcrest’s 21 kills and 10 digs. Libero, Andrea Jauregui, totaled 35 digs and Malia Presiendorf had 5 blocks.
Bakersfield Christian went on to win the Central Section Division II Valley Championship against Stockdale by a score of 3-2.
BCHS, Stockdale, and Redwood all advanced to DII State Playoffs.
Unfortunately, No. 8 seeded Redwood lost 3-0 against No. 9 seed Bishop Montgomery.
This loss closed their 2019 season but they still had so much to be proud of.
“This team is made up of 12 very special young ladies…Their volleyball skill is essential to the team, but it’s their heart and character we will miss the most” Montgomery said. “They have all played a roll in this incredibly special, record breaking undefeated season! Losing just one girl would change the team culture, but we are losing 5 great seniors!”
They swept all three of their tournaments bringing home a Championship for the Visalia Invitational, Lady Blade Challenge at East Bakersfield, and Madera Classic.
According to MaxPreps, Mia Gilcrest finished the season with 568 kills and Maddy Tamayo totaled 606. Overall, the team had 1404 kills this season.
Redwood was also crowned West Yosemite League Champions with a solid 10-0 league record.
The girls set a new school record of longest winning streak and best record of 37-0 in regular season and 39-1 in Central Section Playoffs ending the season with a 39-2 record after the first round of State playoffs.
Despite 5 seniors, Malia Presisendorf, Maddy Tamayo, Abby Billingsly, Karey Rodriguez, and Rikki Gonzalez, graduating this year, the future of Redwood Volleyball remains strong and hopeful for seasons to come.