By Ray Hamill — After tying for this year’s Redwood League title in volleyball on Tuesday night, Ferndale and St. Bernard’s will meet in a playoff game on Thursday night.
That game will determine which of them receives the league’s automatic berth for the upcoming North Coast Section playoffs and a probable home game.
Home court for the playoff game was determined by coin flip and the game will be held at Ferndale.
Both schools closed out league play on Tuesday.
St. Bernard’s hosted South Fork and won in straight sets, while Ferndale hosted Hoopa and also won in straight sets.
That left both programs tied for top spot in the standings with identical 7-2 records.
Thursday’s game will be the sixth meeting this season between the two league rivals.
The Cats have won two of three league games between them, both in four sets, but the Crusaders beat Ferndale in three sets last week to keep their championship hopes alive.
They also have met twice in early-season tournament play, which included a tie and a Ferndale win.
Ferndale is now 17-9-1 overall, while St. Bernard’s is 12-17-1.
Regardless of Thursday’s result, both teams are expected to advance to the NCS playoffs, with the seedlings and brackets set to be announced on Sunday.
Ferndale is No. 5 in Division 6 and St. Bernard’s is No 10.
The Cats are also No. 94 overall in the NCS, out of 165 teams, while SB is No 109.
Thursday’s game begins at 6:30 p.m.
