MIDDLETOWN — Brianna Ortiz unloaded on the Clear Lake Cardinals on Tuesday night, delivering 18 kills, 11 aces and 11 digs in Middletown”s 25-13, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21 North Central League I varsity volleyball victory at Middletown.
It was the final home match for the Mustangs (10-3) and Middletown coach Jennifer Briener made sure all of her seniors received plenty of playing time.
“I started all my seniors and they did really well,” Breiner said. “The other girls filled in.”
Heather Huston and Renee Edwards contributed 10 kills apiece in the Middletown win. Edwards also had a team-high nine blocks while Huston added four aces.
Middletown closes out its league and regular-season schedule on Thursday night in Lower Lake. The Mustangs will apply for an at-large berth in the North Coast Section Division IV playoffs, which begin next week. The field will be released on Sunday.
Aliza Atkins led the Cardinals (5-7) with nine kills and four aces while freshman Jasmin Rice added five kills and four aces. Setter Emily Psalmonds had 21 assists.
“We”re right there, but we”re a young team and make some stupid mistakes at times,” Clear Lake coach Marci Psalmonds said. “Still, I saw a lot of good things. I already can”t wait for next year.”
Clear Lake is home tonight against league-leading Kelseyville (11-1). The Cardinals close out their season Thursday at home against Fort Bragg.
Middletown beat Clear Lake 25-22, 16-25, 15-8 in the junior varsity match.
In other volleyball action Tuesday:
Upper Lake def. Calistoga
At Upper Lake, the Upper Lake Cougars struggled early on but rallied to beat the Calistoga Wildcats 11-25, 25-17, 18-25, 25-19, 15-10 in NCL II action.
“That started talking the last two games,” Upper Lake coach Raelene Cromwell said.
Joleca Augustine led the Cougars with 10 kills and four aces. Sierra Fugate added nine kills and three aces, LaShaye Taylor had seven kills and one ace, and Jamie Maddock had a team-best 17 digs.
Upper Lake also won the JV match, beating Calistoga 25-21, 25-20 behind 10 kills and three aces from Kejhana Taylor, five aces from Isabel Rorabuagh, and three kills and three digs from Dakota Fugate.
Both Upper Lake teams close out their season at home Thursday against Rincon Valley Christian. JV action starts at 5 p.m.
