Albany Advances to State Volleyball Championship

In what can only be described as a sheer demonstration of grit, the Cougars on Tuesday defeated the Fighting Irish of Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep from San Francisco, 27-25, 25-19, 16-25, 23-25, 15-11.

The heavy-weight bout that was the NorCal Tournament Championship match was an upset for the #3-ranked Cougars over top-seeded Sacred Heart, with each set win in come-from-behind fashion.

“I’m excited and ready,” said senior hitter Kariana Castanon-Hill. “It’s my last year of high school volleyball and I am ready to go all out. I’m excited to lead my team.”

The comebacks were orchestrated by senior setter McKenzie Giblin, junior hitter Kyra Holt, sophomore hitter Amber Erhahon and sophomore defensive specialist Brooke Tannahill.

In the first and second sets the Cougars were down by scores of 11-3 and 13-5 respectively, but roared back to overtake the Irish, often precipitated by Holt and Erhahon kills, Marin Gibson blocks and digs from Tannahill.

In the deciding fifth set, the Cougars again spotted the Irish to leads of 4-1 and 7-3, but clawed back to knot up the contest at 9-9. Through exceptional blocking and hitting, the Cougars eventually took the lead for good at 12-11, earning a trip to the state finals.

“Best feeling ever,” said junior Sam Abkin. “It was such a close game and the game could have went either way. I’m excited to go to state with my team.”

The Cougars will play for the state title on Saturday, Dec. 3, in Irvine against the winner of the SoCal Tournament, Cathedral Catholic High School of San Diego.

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