UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Foothill Cougars triumphed over the Pleasant Valley Vikings in the NSCIF Division II championship volleyball match on November 8, 2025, claiming victory after a grueling five-set battle.
The Cougars emerged victorious with set scores of 25-22, 17-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-12 at Foothill High School in Palo Cedro, California. This championship clash mirrored their previous encounter just three weeks prior, where both teams showcased intense competition.
This loss was particularly tough for the Vikings, who struggled with inexperience and focus during critical moments. Pleasant Valley took an early lead in the first set, dominating at 20-13 before the Cougars rallied to clinch the set. The Vikings rebounded in the second set, winning decisively 25-17 to tie the match.
As the match progressed, Pleasant Valley managed to take a 2-1 lead after a stunning comeback in the third set, but the momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth set as Foothill ramped up their service pressure. Head coach JJ Mitchell noted, “They have nine seniors and we have seven first-year players. We didn’t break down; they broke us.”
The Vikings initially led in the fourth set, but the Cougars seized the advantage, leading to a tense fifth set where Foothill’s junior Gabbriella Vega Sanchez served crucial aces that ultimately shifted the tide in favor of the Cougars.
Despite a valiant effort from senior star Natalie Wulferdingen, who had a remarkable season with 392 kills, the Vikings could not maintain their lead in the final moments. “We tried to pull it together, but that run in the fifth set just killed us in the end,” Wulferdingen reflected on the match.
Now, both teams look ahead to the upcoming NorCal Regional finals starting Tuesday, with the Cougars and Vikings set to compete alongside other champions and at-large selections.
This championship match not only highlights the competitive spirit of high school volleyball but also sets the stage for an exciting NorCal playoff series. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned as the season continues to unfold!
