Over the recent weeks, the NDB Varsity Volleyball team has displayed immense dedication as they progressed to the Division Four Central Coast Section (CCS) Championship. Composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors, the 12-member team achieved a significant milestone by reaching the CCS finals for the first time in five years.
Having concluded the regular season with a 14-10 record, they entered the championships ranked fourth in Division Four. Their first game on October 28 took them to Monterey, where they faced Marina HS. The Tigers showcased their skills, securing victory in all three sets and advancing to the next stage.
On Halloween, October 31, the Tigers hosted Stevenson HS for the quarterfinals, emerging triumphant with a 3-0 win. This victory propelled them to the Division 4 CCS semi-final.
Facing the daunting #1 seed, Carmel HS, on November 2 at the opposing team’s school, NDB engaged in a thrilling five-set match, ultimately emerging victorious despite lacking the advantage of a home court.
Subsequently, on Saturday, November 4, NDB competed in the CCS championship game against Harbor HS at Gunn HS. However, despite their best efforts, they fell short and lost in the fourth set.
The Tigers ended in second place in the CCS championship, a deserving reward for all the work they have put in this season.
“Even though we lost, I will cherish these memories and this team forever,” said senior Anna Ansari when recounting all the positive memories she made during her tenure on the team. “It was a really exciting end to the season because it was the farthest I have ever gotten with this team and I was really proud of our team for making it.”
Their second place spot qualified them to enter the CIF State Girls Volleyball Championship as well, allowing them a chance to play in additional postseason games. The Tigers played their first match against Los Gatos HS and secured the win easily after just three sets. They then competed against #15 seed Tamalpais HS at NDB on November 9. After a 3-1 win, the team advanced to the state semi-finals.
They played against the third seed, Sacred Heart Cathedral, on November 11 and unfortunately lost in three sets to conclude an impressive season for the Tigers.
