California Lady Pintos volleyball began a new season Aug. 29 in a matchup at home against the Father Tolton Catholic Lady Trailblazers. Although they were down at different points in each set, the Lady Pintos swept the match 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-22).
In the opening set, California jumped out to an 18-9 lead. Father Tolton managed to come back with six straight points after California scored their 24th point of the first set. However, California sophomore Reagen Moseley recorded the set-winning point with a kill for a 25-17 win and a 1-0 match lead.
Father Tolton got out to a quick start in the second set by scoring 10 of the set's first 15 points. California slowly worked its way back to even the set 23-23. Penelope Cotten and Tayte Higgins recorded the last two kills to end the set 25-23, giving California a 2-0 match advantage.
In the third set, the Lady Pintos got behind, struggling to come back with mistakes such as service errors and missed blocks. However, California chipped away at the deficit and managed to draw back an even score. In the end, California finished their comeback to win the third set 25-22 and win the match 3-0.
Senior Macie Trimble finished the match with 13 kills, 12 digs, three blocks, three aces and two assists. Ella Bailey had 23 assists, ten digs, three kills, an ace and a block. Penelope Cotten had eight digs, five kills and a block.
Lady Pintos head coach Julie Bailey said her team had a challenging match with all of the ups and downs they had to endure against Father Tolton. She did, however, admire her team's resiliency to not back down when they did fall behind. That resiliency, combined with timely play-making from the setters and hitters, was enough to propel California to victory.
"I was happy with our composure and that we were able to dig out of our hole that we created. It was in all three sets at different times when we did that. We were able to pull it together and battle back. We let them get in our heads a little bit and I told the girls that we were playing what we call 'afraid ball' instead of 'aggressive ball'. We have to be aggressive," Bailey said. "Despite our mistakes, Macie put the ball away. Penelope did a great job for us on the front row too and Ella did a great job of managing the court. Her leadership is big for us."
California was defeated by the Boonville Lady Pirates 3-2 (25-11, 23-25, 22-25, 25-15, 8-15). Their record is now 1-1. Their next match will be Thursday night at Eldon.
Democrat photo/Evan Holmes
Seniors Macie Trimble (left) and Penelope Cotten (right) jump up for a block against Father Tolton Catholic.
Democrat photo/Evan Holmes
Senior Penelope Cotten goes up for one of her five kills against the Lady Trailblazers.
Democrat photo/Evan Holmes
Macie Trimble makes a diving dig for the Lady Pintos against the Lady Trailblazers. Trimble had 12 digs on Aug. 29.
Democrat photo/Evan Holmes
Senior Penelope Cotten serves the ball to Father Tolton. Cotten had five kills, eight digs and a block against the Ladt Trailblazers.
Democrat photo/Evan Holmes
Senior Zoey Percival gets ready to serve the ball against Father Tolton.
Democrat photo/Evan Holmes
The California High School students held a 'White-Out' to celebrate the Lady Pintos' season opener.
Democrat photo/Evan Holmes
The California High School students cheer on the Lady Pintos in their match against Father Tolton on Aug. 29.