UPDATE: The Marin Catholic girls volleyball team has just clinched a spot in the North Coast Section Open Division championship after a decisive victory over Campolindo on October 25, 2023. The Wildcats, eager to bounce back from their recent MCAL final defeat, triumphed with a score of 25-21, 23-25, 25-7, 25-16, showcasing their resilience and determination.
This victory comes merely 12 days after Marin Catholic faced a heartbreaking loss against Redwood in the league playoffs, where they were just points away from winning the title. However, the Wildcats did not let this setback define their season. They are now poised to take on fourth-seeded Branson in the NCS final on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Kentfield.
“Suffering any loss like that is so heartbreaking,” said Marin Catholic coach Nick Honrada. “But for us to come back and practice and get better is really great.” The Wildcats, who have a strong record of 25-6, will bring an impressive eight-match home win streak into the championship contest.
In a match that was critical for their morale, Marin Catholic showed their might despite a slow start. Sophomore outside hitter Carolina Delaney led the charge with 20 kills, while senior outside hitter Krystal Huff contributed 15 kills and several key defensive plays. The Wildcats quickly shook off the rust from their nearly two-week layoff to demonstrate their skill and teamwork.
“We didn’t say — oh, we’re not playing in like a week. Every practice we were focused. It showed tonight how we practiced,” said Delaney.
The Wildcats found themselves trailing early in the first set but unleashed a powerful seven-point run to take control. They managed to close out the match efficiently, dominating the third set and ultimately leading to victory. Coach Honrada praised junior libero Aubrey Marne, who played a crucial role with her exceptional serves.
With the NCS final on the horizon, both teams are familiar foes; they split their prior matches this season, and Branson defeated Marin Catholic last year in the NCS championship. The Wildcats are determined to turn the tables this time around, especially on their home court.
As the Wildcats prepare for the final, fans and the community are rallying behind them, hoping for a championship victory to add to their storied legacy of winning eight straight NCS titles from 2014 to 2022.
Stay tuned for updates as Marin Catholic aims for redemption and glory on Saturday night!
