In a matchup of girls volleyball league champions, Bishop Diego’s freshmen led the way in a 3-1 girls volleyball victory over Cate on Thursday.
The 25-22, 25-27, 25-18, 25-20 road win by the Frontier League-champion Cardinals over the Tri-Valley League champs gave them a 23-7 overall record.
Freshmen Eliana Urzua had 21 kills and served eight aces, and Sonia Mancuso added eight kills and two aces to pace Bishop Diego. Annie McDonald collected four kills and had a serving run of six in a row; Vivi Klentner had two blocks, an ace, and two kills and Sofia Parisotto had four digs and 11 assists.
“The freshmen came to play tonight, with a new crop of players trying their hand at the varsity level,” said Bishop coach Dillan Bennett. “I’m so proud of our freshmen class. Three of those kids have been battling on the JV team, and in their first varsity action against the TVL Champ, they were shining stars out there.”
Bishop Diego, ranked No. 2 in CIF-SS Division 7, will play one more nonleague game at third-ranked Costa Mesa on Saturday before entering the CIF-SS playoffs.
“We expect a postseason environment down there against a great team,” said Bennett.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.