On Nov. 5, with an initial chance to get a reverse sweep against Branson in the North Coast Selection (NCS) semi-finals, the girls’ varsity volleyball team suffered a tough loss. The rivalry teams fought hard but the Branson Bulls dominated, beating Redwood in three sets.
Junior Katie Lazzareschi, the team’s starting setter, has greatly contributed to their offense this season. Lazzareschi notes that the team’s mindset has shifted after winning the Marin County Athletic League finals two weeks prior.
“We’re coming off a big win and it’s hard to keep pushing after you have reached a big goal,” Lazzareschi said.
Branson proved to be a strong opponent and came out ready in the first set, leading 5-13 at Redwood’s first time out. Junior and Tulane commit Logan Leverte, the team’s starting outside hitter, reflected on the atmosphere in the gym for the team.
“We weren’t playing badly, it was just our energy wasn’t where it usually is,” Leverte said.
Bouncing back from the time out, Junior and University of California Berkeley commit, Maddy Wagner, returned the fire, getting two kills in a row to change the momentum of the game. With the first set ending 12-25, Redwood moved into the second set, hoping to gain momentum.
The Giants came out strong leading 5-2, placing serves consistently against the Branson Bulls. Along with a kill from Leverte and a block from Lazzareschi, the Giants fought fiercely but ended up with a score of 16-25.
Redwood continued pushing into the third set with a new sense of motivation after junior Haley Boyarski got a kill to get the set tied 14-all. Losing grip of the momentum, Branson stole the last few points to win the final set 21-25.
Leverte reflected back on the team’s mindset in preparation for the match.
“Playing to win rather [than] to not lose, I think is very important to winning a game,” Leverete said.
As the team heads into their NCS game on Saturday, the Giants hope to secure the win against Campolindo, possibly putting them in the state open division.
