
File photo
St. Bernard’s got the better of Hoopa in four sets on Friday night, as the Crusaders earned the automatic North Coast Section volleyball playoff berth for the Little 4.
After both teams had tied for the conference championship earlier this week, they had to meet once more at St. Bernard’s to decide which of them would receive the guaranteed postseason spot.
The Crusaders rallied from an early one-set deficit to win 24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 25-19.
Madelyn Shanahan led the way in the win with 17 kills, while teammate Rihana Fontenot added five kills.
Kodi Meyer also had a big night with 27 assists as the Crusaders got the better of their conference rivals for the third time in four matchups this season.
Courteney Goodman and Amaiyah Her each had nine consecutive serves in the win, while Teressa Riley had eight.
Hoopa was missing key starter Taylor Cole, who was unable to make the game, with Savannah Colegrove and Bethany Masten both turning in big performances in her absence.
“Bethany Masten stepped up big time in Taylor’s absence and has been so consistent all season,” said head coach Amber McCovey-Billings, who added that Colegrove “had a huge night.”
Tatianna Colegrove and Jewely Bibancos both also had good nights at the service line.
“I am so proud of my girls,” the Hoopa coach said. “All in all they did great. They just fell a little short.”
Both teams will find out the NCS playoff fate on Sunday.
Categories: Hoopa Valley, St. Bernard's, Volleyball