The California Pintos volleyball team won the Fulton Tournament on Sept. 14.
In pool play, California split with Southern Boone. The Pintos won the first set 25-18 but lost the second set 25-21. California then received its first loss of the season as the team fell to Kirksville in two sets, 25-19 and 25-21. In the third match of pool play, the Pintos split with Savannah; California won the first set 25-19 and lost the second set 25-21.
In bracket play, the Pintos won vs. Eldon as California won both sets 25-21. In both sets, the Pintos fell behind but were able to make a comeback. In the semifinals, the Pintos again faced Savannah, but this time the Pintos won as they defeated Savannah 25-21 and 25-14. California then advanced to the championship game vs. Southern Boone. The Pintos lost the first set 25-20 but then won the next two sets 25-20 and 25-19.
Head coach Julie Bailey said the team started off the morning sluggish and were not able to get going on offense initially, but that changed throughout the tournament.
"As the day went on, they fought with drive and determination to fight through the bottom of the bracket to win the tournament," Bailey said. "I was extremely proud of their improved effort and play throughout the day. They set a goal and went out and grabbed it. Our offense became very effective thanks to the hard work of our defense throughout the day."
Paige Lamm led the Pintos with 53 kills, followed by Hailey Cain with 28, Ella Lewis with 24, and Makayla Schanzmeyer with 19.
Sincere Mullins and Hailey Cain were able to start the offense with perfect passing from serve receive - Mullins had 84 perfect passes and Cain had 60 perfect passes to the setter. Emma Whitson had 64 assists, followed by Bailey Lage with 57 assists.
Cain led the team with 61 digs and Mullins had 55 digs. Lamm and Cain were both named to the All-Tournament team.