Experienced Feather River sweeps Grossmont In State WVB quarterfinal

Updated Records: Feather River (34-1) v. Grossmont (23-4)
Grossmont is eliminated and finishes in a tie for 5th place at state
Semifinals, Saturday, 2 p.m.--N4 San Mateo v. N2 Feather River

(FRESNO) -- Feather River College came in as advertised in the quarterfinals of the CCCAA State Women's Volleyball Championship on Friday. The Golden Eagles, the North's #2 seed due to RPI, swept South #4 seed Grossmont in convincing fashion, 25-20, 25-15, 25-20. FRC extended its amazing win streak to now 32 in a row while stopping the Griffins' 21-match streak in the process.

The 6-foot-2, All-State opposite Hannah Taylor and 5-11 All-American First Team setter played like giants with Taylor scoring 16 kills in 29 swings (.379) and Stevenson putting on offensive clinic in handing out 30 assists while dominating play at the net for eight kills. Six-foot MB Sydnee Rowe added eight kills and three block assists while 5-11 OH Eliana Sheridan, a freshman, chipped in four kills, eight set assists, and two aces.

Grossmont's All-American Third Team OH Madi Bogle was limited to six kills as Brooke Miller led the Griffins on seven kills (and nine digs). Lauren Dumo totaled 10 digs while Aly Guise contributed four kills and three blocks.

"Maturity of having five sophomore starters is a big reason why we were able to control the match," said Feather River head coach Sarah Ritchie. "Grossmont was us last year, a good, young team that will be phenomenal next season. We just have so many offensive weapons and sometimes I don't even know who is going to show up on a given day. Hannah is a big-time hitter and Nellie is just crazy good at so many things. There's a reason why she was First Team All-American as he is so intelligent and knows exactly what to do. We're prepared to play anybody at this point, and we know to win we will have to get by a few more great teams."

In the final set, Feather River rolled to a 9-1 lead. Grossmont roared back on two kills by Miller and an Amanda Pena lefty kill that cut it to 11-9. Bogle later boomed a kill that put the Griffins in striking distance, down 21-19. Stevenson set Sheridan and Mckinney for bullet kills. Bogle saved set point at 24-20 on a powerful attack, but Rowe capped FRC's sweep with a kill for match point. 

Grossmont stayed with FRC in the second set as Miller drilled a kill that tied it at 11-11. Back-to-back kills by Rowe put Feather River back in front, 18-13. The Golden Eagles ran off a 7-2 run capped by a set-point block by Taylor and Seriah Mckinney. 

In the opening set, Feather River came out firing with a 7-0 run. Grossmont cut it to 9-8 on an ace by Chelsee Trendler and tied it at 13-13 on a kill by Miller. Bogle ripped a kill to knot it again at 18-18. Stevenson smartly played two quick kills at the net to give FRC a 22-19 lead. The Golden Eagles got a kills by Taylor and Sheridan to close out a 5-point first set win.

Grossmont head coach Brooke Callahan talked about the strength of Feather River. "Feather River is the best team here in my opinion. They are experienced and well-coached, and it's the first time I felt like we faced big kids that can block our big kids. We have some size in our lineup like them, but they blocked everything. Feather River served really well and we never could get our middles involved because it took us out of system. It was unfortunate that we had to face them in the first match as we never really got a chance to settle in at the tourney."

Release by Robert Lewis, CCCWVCA/CCCAA Championship SID