Acalanes Freshman Girls Volleyball team came out strong in their first official outing, defeating Heritage High School in two sets 25-15, 25-17. The first game saw both teams trading points until Holly Fleischmann’s service run, which includes several aces, expanded the teams lead.  Defense led by Libero Ying Stroebe, worked perfectly with well placed digs. Smashing kills were offered up by Sarah Moore and Alta Paladino off sets from Fleischmann while middles Janine Jaber and Katie McCarty blocked point attempts by Heritage. Service aces by Taylor Odom, McCarty and Jillian Wickline’s seven point run, including five aces, brought the Dons within one point of winning. A service error on Heritage’s part, closed out the set.

Game two started with the Dons taking the lead from the start and never letting go. Service aces from Dana Piercy, Dory Grobeck, Claire Amaral and Wickline moved the point total forward in record time. Defense kept the momentum going with Stroebe and middle blockers Lily Bauer and McCarty. A nice set from Grobeck offered up a targeted kill by Wickline, and precision tips from Stroebe and Grobeck cemented the victory for Acalanes.

The Freshman Volleyball team takes on San Ramon Thursday, September 8 at San Ramon.

submitted by Lucy Amaral