On Nov. 8, the girls’ varsity volleyball team went head-to-head with Campolindo High School for third place in the North Coast Section (NCS) Open Division. After a tough loss against Branson High School just three days earlier, the girls were fired up and ready to give this game their all.
Junior middle hitter Amilia “Millie” Matthews thinks the key to their success isn’t necessarily about the level of skill.
“For us, it was less of a skill thing and more of a mindset thing,” Matthews said, “so we worked on doing really competitive games at practice.”
The team started strong with an 8-2 lead with Matthews’ crucial blocks.
Matthews views her blocking as less about scoring points and more about building energy and momentum for the team.
“Blocking was stopping their momentum, and that helped get our team into more of a competitive mindset,” Matthews said.
Not letting any balls touch the ground, the Giants stayed ahead, leading 14-11 in the first set. Staying strong and limiting offensive errors while Campolindo took time to find their rhythm, Redwood closed out the first set with a score of 25-20.
Heading into the second set, both teams traded points early, staying within a few points of each other. As Campolindo began to find its rhythm and tighten up defensively, they pulled ahead with a 21–16 lead. With a leading player junior Logan Leverte on defense with multiple diving saves, and junior Maddy Wagner serving from 18-22, the Giants almost took set two, ultimately having a hitting error on Campolindo’s game point, giving them set two 25-23.
Going into set three with both teams being neck-and-neck, Redwood changed their lineup, putting in Freshman Jora Vangorden, who served for four straight points, getting the team back in front 12-11.
Vangorden leading the Giants with kills, combined with Matthews shutting down Campolindos’ hits and spirit, allowed them to win set three 25-22.
Vangordon said that her performance is a testament to the team’s infectious energy and love.
“When I first came in, they were definitely encouraging me to do my best, and if I messed up they wouldn’t put me down,” Vangorden said.
Going into set four and hoping to close out the game, the Giants’ level was unmatched. The energy did not disappoint throughout the set with a score of 25-17, giving the Giants their hard-earned win.
Matthews feels as though the win came from having productive, tangible goals and most importantly, executing them.
Coming off this win, the team is now moving on to the open bracket of the NCS, playing Archbishop Mitty on Wednesday.
