LOWER LAKE — The North stars were shining bright on Thursday night in Lower Lake.
Led by Renita Gilliam”s five kills and five blocks, the Lower Lake Trojans made quick work of the understrength Middletown Mustangs, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22, in a North Central League I North varsity volleyball match that gives the Trojans the undisputed league title.
“It”s very exciting,” Lower Lake coach Danessa Udy said of the league championship. “I don”t know how many times my teams have been the bridesmaid to Larry”s teams,” Udy said of former Kelseyville High coach Larry Bresso.
Lower Lake (7-1) would have finished in a three-way tie for first with Kelseyville (6-2) and Middletown (5-3) had it lost to the Mustangs, who were without two starters, including middle hitter Kelsey Guzman (disciplinary action). Also missing was Ashley Fisher, who tore a ligament in her thumb during the team”s Wednesday practice session.
“I had to bring up two JVs and they both did very well,” Middletown coach Jennifer Breiner said of Haley Tallman, who had two kills and Kayla Robinson, who had three. “But it didn”t help having those girls out.”
The next stop for Lower Lake is the North Coast Section Division IV playoffs, which begin early next week. The Trojans won”t know who they”re playing or where until the at-large and seeding meeting on Sunday in Walnut Creek.
“I don”t know how we”re going to do (at the seeding meeting),” Udy said. “The Bay Area Conference doesn”t have much respect for the NCL.”
Lower Lake capped its league-clinching victory by rallying from an eight-point deficit in game three.
“We just chipped away at it,” Udy said.
Amber Shoffeitt had five kills for Lower Lake and Darlena White had four.
Kayla Wood”s eight kills powered the Mustangs and Nikeedra Davis, the team”s lone senior, had 17 assists.
Breiner, a first-year coach, gave a thumbs up to the young Mustangs” performance this season.
“It was much better than anyone expected and we lose only one senior,” Breiner said. “We do lose a good player (Davis).”
Lower Lake played most of its championship season with a bare minimum of players and Udy had just one player on the bench for the Middletown match.
“It”s a good group of girls,” Udy said. “I”m glad it”s this group.”
