In an exhilarating women’s volleyball playoff match, Cabrillo College emerged victorious against Cosumnes River College, winning in five sets with scores of 20-25, 29-27, 25-21, 25-27, and 15-13. This intense contest took place during the second round of the 3C2A NorCal Regionals on March 5, 2024, held in Aptos, California. The result not only showcased Cabrillo’s determination but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of playoff sports.
Cabrillo’s head coach, Branden Torado, commended his team for their exceptional resilience and teamwork. He emphasized the importance of their defensive commitment and chemistry, stating, “I told the team I wasn’t ready to stop coaching them—not tonight, not this season. Our commitment to defense and playing for each other is what carried us through the chaos of a match like this.”
The Seahawks, now boasting a record of 22 wins and 5 losses, will advance to face No. 1 seed San Joaquin Delta, who holds an impressive record of 28 wins and 1 loss, in Stockton on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The game time is yet to be announced.
Cabrillo’s defense played a crucial role in their win, anchored by Gwen Grigsby, an All-Coast Conference North Division first-team libero. Grigsby delivered a remarkable performance with a total of 38 digs, a key factor in the Seahawks’ ability to withstand the pressure throughout the match.
Torado noted that his players entered the decisive fifth set with some hesitation. “We weren’t swinging, we weren’t communicating effectively,” he explained. “We were playing not to lose instead of playing to win. The mood shifted as we started attacking the ball and being aggressive on the court.”
As the fifth set progressed, Cabrillo began to find their rhythm. With a series of balanced and confident swings, they took control of the game. Sophomore setter Jaycee Lee, who previously played for Cosumnes River, distributed the ball with exceptional poise, finishing with 56 assists and 31 digs.
Key contributions came from several players, including middle hitter Natalia Cash, who delivered a pivotal attack to give Cabrillo an 11-10 lead. Jordan Simpkins added another point with a well-placed shot, bringing the score to 13. Sophie Hall also made a crucial kill for point 14, and Simpkins ultimately sealed the match with a decisive strike.
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Courchene, recognized as a first-team all-conference honoree, made significant contributions across all phases of the match. She recorded 14 kills, four service aces, and 23 digs, demonstrating her versatility and impact on the court.
Simpkins, another standout with 13 kills, and Cash, who contributed 11 kills, further solidified Cabrillo’s offensive strategy. The team’s chemistry and ability to execute under pressure were evident throughout the match, allowing them to overcome adversity and secure their place in the next round of the playoffs.
With their victory, Cabrillo College has proven their mettle in this competitive playoff environment. As they prepare to face a formidable opponent in San Joaquin Delta, their focus will remain on maintaining the momentum that brought them success in this dramatic match. Fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another thrilling encounter in the championship journey.
