The California High School varsity and JV volleyball teams opened the 2013 season at home Sept. 3 with match wins against Eugene.
The varsity defeated the Lady Eagles 25-22 and 25-13. Sydney Deeken had 10 kills, three blocks and one dig. Madilyn Safely had 25 sets and six assists and Abby Luekenotte had 21 sets and five assists. Caitlin Meyer had two kills and one dig.
"Serving was key," California Head Coach Julie Bailey said. "We were 19 for 20 in the first set and 23 for 24 in the second set. We got behind in the first set from too many errors, but I was proud of the way the girls fought back to take the lead and win the first set. The girls came out strong in the second set and maintained their lead to win the match."
The JVA Lady Pintos won their match against Eugene 25-15 and 25-22.
"The girls started out strong and went on to win," Bailey said.
California hosted Boonville Thursday, where the varsity and both the JVA and JVB teams defeated the Lady Pirates.
The varsity Lady Pintos won their match 25-20 and 25-23. Deeken had five kills, three blocks and one ace. Paige Halsey had 11 kills and two blocks. Safely had 42 sets, 10 assists and one ace and Luekenotte had 28 sets and nine assists.
"Boonville has a scrappy team that didn't let much drop," Bailey said. "Paige Halsey was tough on the front row and helped control the game with 11 kills and two blocks."
California's JVA won 25-17 and 25-23.
"Caitlin Meyer was strong on the front row with four kills and two blocks," Bailey said. "Both Cassie Dearixon and Jasmine Wells played well and were key in helping the team win."
Wells had four aces and two kills and Meyer also had two aces. Monica Whitson had 35 sets, six assists and one ace.
California's JVB won 25-16 and 25-12. Carlie Bleich had eight aces, four kills, 13 assists and 19 sets. Roz Martensen had six kills and Claire Kuhlman had five kills. Kelly Sommerer had six assists and eight sets.
"Carlie Bleich dominated and had an excellent night," Bailey said. "Her setting was outstanding as was her hitting."
The Lady Pintos will play at Eldon Thursday, Sept. 12, beginning with the JV match at 5:30 p.m., and the varsity to follow.