Here is your play by play from Orinda, CA:
Miramonte starts strong in the first set to take an early lead. Dons lay in the wait. and then start their attack with impressive hits by Emma Johnson, Tate Huisingh and Hanna Hageboeck. Hanna’s ace serve marks taking of the lead, and then the Dons begin the full on stomping of the first set. Strategic placements by Maya Paul and Gianna Manzone, a successful dump by setter Mara Korzeniowska, killer serves by Emma Johnson and Rachel Zhang help Dons widen the point gap on the Mats. Momentum remains all with the Dons as blocks and kills by Alara Rose and a defense that won’t allow Mats re-entry by Kira Wood and Chloe Wu. Emma Johnson‘s serving streak flattens the Mats as Dons dominate to close the first set 25-11.
Second set, the Mats dust off and keep pace with the Dons as the score remains within 3 points all set. As Mats take the lead, the Dons welcome the return of Claudia Lindgren to the court after recovery of an injury. She wastes no time. A kill by Claudia ties up the set. Maya Paul‘s carefully placed tips and solid serving by libero Chloe Wu bring the Dons back on top. Emma Johnson and Hanna Hageboeck break the Mats defensive lines on several hits with sets provided by Natalie Marsh. Alara Rose provides some unreal hits. The Mats however stay focused and catch up to squeak out their 25-23 win for the second set.
On to the third set, Mats get an early lead until Tate Huisingh ties up the set with a kill then proceeds to take the lead with her ace serve. After that, the Dons push forward with Kira Wood‘s expert digs, feeding to Rachel Zhangand Mara Korzeniowska‘s quick sets to Emma Johnson kills. Alara Rose‘s smart placement to the far corner of the court helps finishes up the 3rd set with Dons winning 15-11 to clinch the match.