Merced Union High School District

The El Capitan High girls volleyball banner that usually hangs in the school gym was tucked away in the office of athletic director Rodd Parker earlier this season. It’s not easy to bring the banners down, add the championship year and hang the banners back up high again. Winning four consecutive Central California Conference girls volleyball championships has kept Parker and school staff busy bringing down the banners and rehanging them. 

 

The goal for the Gauchos is to keep the streak going and with many key players returning El Capitan is once again the favorite in the CCC after compiling a 45-1 conference record during their title run. “Winning one championship is always special, but to get four in a row really shows the consistency and commitment of our athletes year after year,” said El Capitan coach Chela Moreno. “Each season brings new challenges, graduating seniors, and the pressure on the next group to repeat. But our program has built a culture of extremely hard work and very high expectations, expectations that they want to achieve.”

 

El Capitan is off to another good start this season, posting a 10-6 record this season with three of those losses coming during a recent trip to Florida for a tournament. The Gauchos return a four-year setter in Sophie Fernandez and the CCC Defensive Player of the Year in libero Colette Collins. “Having Sophie back is a huge advantage for us,” Moreno said. “She’s a four-year varsity starter, and now as a senior captain, she knows exactly what’s expected and helps set the tone for the team. Her experience brings a sense of calm and confidence in big moments.”

 

While Fernandez orchestrates the offense, Collins leads the defense. “Colette is truly the backbone of our defense,” Moreno said. “As our floor captain, she’s constantly communicating, keeping everyone engaged, and diving all over the place to save a ball.” Moreno describes the Gauchos hitters and middleblockers as a mix of power, versatility, and competitiveness that gives El Capitan multiple options offensively in outside hitters Jordynn Middleton, Yalizbette Lua, and middles Mia Griffie, Selena Trinca. Sophomore outside hitters Annabella Solis, Ellie Iniguez and Cienna James-Gibson who are adjusting to varsity play. 

 

As a four-time champion, the Gauchos know that other teams in conference are coming for them and they’ll see every team’s best effort. “Our players live for that challenge,” Moreno said. “We know every team wants to beat us in the CCC, and we welcome that target on our back. Being part of this program means carrying on the legacy and expectations that have been built, and no one wants to be ‘that team’ that lets that slip.”

 

The Gauchos are excited and welcome the pressure of trying to keep the CCC championship streak going. Moreno says it’s going to come down to discipline, determination and dedication.  “We love to have fun at practice, we always have to have music on, but we also know when it's time to dial in,” Moreno said. “We know nothing is guaranteed. If we stay focused, trust one another, and play for each other, which is one of our mottos, we’ll give ourselves the best chance to extend that streak.”

Here’s a look at the MUHSD girls volleyball teams:

 

Atwater (8-1) – The Falcons are off to a hot start after finishing second in the CCC last year. Atwater returns Setter of the Year in senior Amara Rhodes and has a formidable middle blocker duo in 6-foot-3 sophomore Caylor Gibson and 6-foot sophomore Bella Villa. “With only four seniors and two juniors, we are entering this season very young,” said Atwater coach Lauren Leonardo. “Our expectation this season is to give effort and energy in every set, working together to uplift and support one another, and strive to fight for every point.”

 

Buhach Colony (8-8) – Former Thunder coach Andy Hill returned last season and continues to build the BC program up. Hill led the Thunder to their first playoff appearance in five years last season. Buhach Colony will led by returners McKenna Hill at setter, Maddie Zamarripa at outside hitter, Lilly Wisdom on the left side and Lilliana Manzo at middleblocker. “We always expect to be able to compete with all the teams in the league and hope that the new culture and influence of a new program and new direction will propel the team to new heights this season and in the coming years,” Andy Hill said. 

 

Golden Valley (11-5) – The Cougars are off to an impressive start in Jacqueline Wooding’s second season as head coach. Golden Valley returns one of the top players in the CCC in senior Zoe Gonzales. Fellow seniors Emily Green and Savannah Benc will also lead the offensive attack. Wooding points to a versatile roster with many players who can play multiple positions, hitters with strong volleyball IQ’s and a scrappy defense as a recipe for team success. 

 

Livingston (2-14) – After an 0-28 season, the Wolves are already showing vast improvement with two victories already this year. The Wolves return junior middle blocker Mia Lopez and junior setter Noelani Hocson. Senior libero Mariah Blaine and freshman outside hitter Aimee Aguilar Briones will also be counted on for contributions this season. “This team is showing that they will not quit,” said Livingston coach Mike Alvernaz. “I feel that we are going to make a big jump from last year. Last year we did not have the numbers but this year we do have a number of players that can jump in when needed.”

 

Merced (7-12) – Veteran coach Emili Rivera takes over the Bears volleyball program. She’ll count on returners like middle blocker Sadie Van Dyke, middle blocker Gabriella Randol and libero Elisabeth Feedam to help lead the team. Newcomers Kasalyn Moua, Abigial Alvarez and Nadalyn Moua will add some firepower on offense. 

Shawn Jansen is the MUHSD Program Manager Digital Media. He can be reached at Sjansen@muhsd.org.