Your Dons trekked to Moraga to take on the always-tough Campolindo Cougars on Thursday night. The Cougars are very deep and experienced, but the Dons gave them a fight.
In set one, Campo raced out to a 6-10 lead, and the Dons cut it to 8-11 on a nice middle shot by Katelyn Olin. Then Annika Olson delivered a really hard winner, followed by a big block from Maya Paul, and the Dons were in it, 14-15. The Cougs reeled off three points with some stylish offense, forcing a TO by us at 14-18. The Dons continued to fight, getting to 16-21 on a putaway from Makenzie Sauer. Campo then turned up the pressure once again, taking the set 17-25.
In set two, the Dons found themselves tied early on a power kill by Lauren Davis. After a Campo flurry, a nice back set by Erin Meade to Annika Olson put the score at 5-6. The opponent then really started to click, stretching their lead to 7-14, then 9-21, then 10-23. A Tate Huisingh ace was provided a small flicker to the Acalanes side, but the final score of the set ended at 11-25. Hand it to Campo, they played really well.
In set three, the Dons came out looking to flip the script. Annika made a big swing, and it was 2-2. The Dons defense started playing its game, getting to many loose balls and keeping plays alive. Katelyn aced the Cougs, Annika rocketed a kill through the defense, and the Dons were only down one, 5-6. Campo bowed up and scored four in a row, then another Annika kill (she’s also good a social studies and writing) got the Dons to 6-10. A Tate Huisingh ace, then a back row kill by that same girl, then another Annika kill put the score at 9-10. The Dons were starting to roll. 10-10 now. Trading blows, a block by Olin, 13 all. Rock solid passing from Sydney Sowarby and scrappy play from Carly Coffee helped get the Dons in system. Elena Needs sent one home, 15-16. A great up by Erin Meade that led to a hammer by Elena made it 17 all. Erin aced ‘em, 18-17. A flying rainbow knuckle winner by Annika, 19 all. 20-20. 21-20. Nice up, Tate! 22-20. Erin Meade then slammed an overpass to the back line, 23-20, time out Cougs! Oh no, the time out worked, 23-21, 23-22…hold on girls! It’s a fact that every team has needs, but we have ELENA NEEDS….and she slams it through the block 24-22! Another one for Elena, 25-22 Dons take set three!
Ok, the Dons dropped the match, but that last set sure felt good. This team plays Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week to finish the season. Thursday night, senior night, will be live streamed!
Paul Sauer Pics here: