El Capitan High girls volleyball coach Chela Moreno knew Monday night’s match against Merced would be a challenge. The Bears came in undefeated in Central California Conference play at 4-0 and had a big crowd, including a large student section decked in pink rooting them on. However, the Gauchos were up to the challenge.

 

El Capitan proved it is still the team to beat in the CCC, as the Gauchos continued their quest for a sixth consecutive conference title with a 25-21, 25-18, 25-10 sweep of the Bears. The win extended the Gauchos CCC winning streak to 29 consecutive matches and they’ve now won 58 of their last 61 CCC contests.

 

“It was a great atmosphere for our girls to compete in,” said Moreno, whose team improved to 22-7 on the season and 5-0 in the CCC. “Both of us came in undefeated in conference, so we knew there was going to be a lot of energy and that Merced would have a great crowd behind them. It was loud and definitely a challenging environment, but those are the matches we want to play in. I thought our girls really embraced the moment, and competed.”

 

The Gauchos put together a strong defensive effort which made it tough for the Bears (12-8, 4-1 CCC) to put together a run of points. Five El Capitan had five players finish with at least 10 digs. Freshman Jasmine Arebalo Bernardo led the way with 17 digs. She was followed by Annabella Solis (13), Madison Miller (12), Anushka Elwin (10) and Ellie Iniguez (10). 

 

“I was extremely proud of how we performed,” Moreno said. “Merced came out strong, and they have definitely improved, so we knew we were going to have to earn it. Our defense was outstanding, and I thought that really set the tone for us. With as loud as the gym was, our girls did a great job staying focused, trusting each other and not allowing the environment to take us out of our game. To come away with a 3-0 win in that atmosphere says a lot about the composure and competitiveness of this group.”

 

“I think there is extra focus with any opponent we play, but for this game specifically, we knew we were both undefeated, and we knew that they wouldn't give it easily to us,” Elwin added. “I think that definitely showed in the first set, but there was definitely extra focus and a lot of excitement tonight.”

 

The first game was tight throughout with El Capitan leading just 19-18 late in the set. However, the Gauchos made the plays they needed to close out the first game 25-21. 

 

The Bears were again clawing their way with the Gauchos in the second game with El Capitan leading just 16-15 midway through. However, it was again the Gauchos finding another gear late to hold off Merced to take a 2-0 lead.

 

In the third game the Gauchos controlled from start to finish to earn the three-way sweep and sole possession of first place in the CCC. “We look forward to games like this,” Solis said. “We enjoy playing teams who are excited to play us.”

 

Elwin led the Gauchos with 10 kills and 15 assists. Arebalo Bernardo, Solis and Cienna James-Gibson all recorded three aces. Moreno feels the Gauchos still have plenty of room to improve as they begin the second half of CCC play and march toward the playoffs.

 

“I want to see us continue to improve our communication and be more aggressive and confident in our decision-making, whether that’s hitting, setting or serving,” she said. “We know every team is going to continue to improve in the second half of the conference, and we have to do the same. Our girls are hungry, and I think they understand that being undefeated doesn’t mean anything gets easier. We have to continue working, continue getting better and be ready for whatever challenge each team brings us.”

Golden Valley 3, Buhach Colony 2 – Tessa Zimmerman and Adamaris Leon both recorded 12 kills as the Cougars outlasted the Thunder 25-21, 19-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-4 to improve to 3-2 in the CCC. Zimmerman added five aces and 20 digs and Gizzel Jordan finished with 36 assists. 

 

Los Banos 3, Atwater 1 – The Tigers snapped a four-match CCC losing streak to pick up their first conference win of the year. 

 

Beyer 3, Livingston 1 – The Wolves dropped a second consecutive Western Athletic Conference match in a row to fall to 5-4 in conference and 12-13 overall.

 

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