Golden Valley sweeps Merced for third consecutive volleyball win

The Golden Valley High School volleyball team is starting to gain momentum.

It started when Cougars setter Karen Kale became eligible last week against Buhach Colony after sitting out 30 days after transferring from Atwater.

The Cougars won their third consecutive match, 25-19, 25-12, 27-25 over Merced on Wednesday night at Cougar Arena.

“I do feel like we’ve worked out the quirks,” said outside hitter Kendra Barroso, who had nine kills. “We’re coming together, playing harder and not giving up when we get down. We’re picking up our heads and fighting.”

Golden Valley (5-4, 3-2 Central California Conference) picked up two big five-game victories over the Thunder and Atwater last week and sits alone in third place after the first round with five matches left.

“We’re much more confident in each other, and part of that has to do with finally having the lineup we wanted to have out there,” Cougars coach Matt Thissen said.

Meanwhile, Merced (0-5 CCC) is looking for answers.

The Bears lost their top player, Rheanne Lewis, last week when she injured her knee against Pitman. The senior outside hitter has a torn ACL and torn meniscus.

“Without Rheanne, we’re missing the person we look to and expect to pick up every ball,” Merced coach Marcia-Marie Rosson said. “We still have the girls who can do it, but Rheanne is a four-year varsity player. She’s the heart of our team, and we’re still trying to mend that hole.”

Thissen hated seeing Lewis on the Bears’ bench with a knee brace on.

“I’ve known Rheanne since she was little,” Thissen said. “It broke my heart when I heard the news that she had blown out her knee. She’s a neat kid with a super attitude. She’s obviously the leader of their team. I think she’s definitely a difference-maker on the court.”

Rosson hopes senior Jordan Pierce can transition from middle blocker into Lewis’ do-everything role at outside hitter. Pierce finished with six kills and 11 digs.

“As soon as Jordan believes she can play that role, we’re going to start getting some wins,” Rosson said.

Sophomore middle blocker Kelsey Parker emerged as an offensive threat, totaling seven kills. Rosson said the coaching staff has been working with Parker on her blocking and timing. Rosson liked the aggressiveness she saw from Parker against the Cougars.

Golden Valley just had too many weapons for the Bears. Barroso keyed a late surge in the first game with three consecutive kills to open a 21-16 lead.

Freshman Naomi Jackson sparked a 10-1 start in the second game with her hot serving. She recorded four of her five aces during the stretch, and Merced never got back in the game.

“In that second set, Naomi Jackson put on a serving clinic,” Thissen said. “She’s not overpowering, but she’s great at being smart where she puts the ball. That second set, that was her set.”

Abbee Croninger led Golden Valley with 14 kills and six blocks. Stephanie Moore had six kills and six blocks. Moore finished game three with a block and a kill to complete the sweep.

The Cougars have big matches coming up against Turlock and Pitman.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how we measure up this time around,” Thissen said.

Atwater 3, Buhach Colony 1 at Atwater – Abby Knapp delivered a big performance to help the Falcons (2-3 CCC) defeat the Thunder 25-22, 13-25, 25-23, 25-23. Knapp finished with 22 kills, two blocks and 24 digs.

“Abby was a huge component for us, playing in the front row and back row. Abby got some key kills and played really great defense,” Atwater coach Toni Garcia said.

The Falcons’ Ryan Perry had 22 digs and Brittany Massa had 19 digs.

Atwater is fourth in the CCC after the first round with four teams qualifying for the playoffs. Buhach Colony is a game behind the Falcons with five matches remaining.

“We had to win this game if we want to compete for that fourth spot,” Garcia said. “We’re still going to have to win some games if we’re going to make the playoffs.”

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 9:57 PM with the headline "Golden Valley sweeps Merced for third consecutive volleyball win."