SUTTER, CA (MPG) – Coming off a disappointing loss to U-Prep in the Northern Section Division IV title match on Nov. 8, the Colusa RedHawks got back on track in a big way in the CIF Division V State Tournament where they have punched their ticket to the regional final after defeating No. 13 International, No. 5 West Campus and then knocking off No. 1 Sutter in matches last week.
Hosting International (San Francisco) on Veteran’s Day, the RedHawks’ serving was paramount as they finished with 17 aces as a team led by Cecelia Mitchum’s game-high nine to win out 25-12, 25-18, 25-20.
Abby Coronado had a strong night on the attack striking for 13 kills and hitting at a .458 clip, while Mitchum used the off-speed successfully to finish with 12 kills.
Setters Cindel Oliver and Leyla Avera facilitated the offense handing out 15 and 14 assists respectively.
Following up two nights later, against West Campus (Sacramento) in what proved to be a competitive match between two scrappy teams, Colusa still swept the Warriors 25-22, 25-19, 26-24.
Coronado again hammered away in the front row to end the match with 15 kills, while Peyton Miller had 12.
Oliver had another good performance with 19 assists and 17 digs, as did Avera who pitched in with 15 assists and 11 digs.
Mitchum also did her part in the back row making 16 digs, while Miller made 12 more.
Yet, the RedHawks saved their best for last, upsetting the Huskies 26-24, 25-16, 16-25, 23-25, 15-10.
Sutter’s placement in Division V was somewhat perplexing given its size as a school, but it mattered not as Colusa was able to hold off the Huskies in the fifth set.
Coronado and Miller subsequently powered the RedHawks’ with 20 and 17 kills, with Miller also turning in a herculean effort in the back row with 34 digs.
Mitchum played a significant role as well making 25 digs, Marlie Berry had 12 and Coronado pitched in with 10.
Oliver and Avera completed the match with 21 assists apiece in addition to finishing with double-digit digs.
With the victory, Colusa made its way to Hilmar on Nov. 18 to play the No. 2 Yellowjackets with the winner advancing to the state championship on Nov. 21 at Santiago Canyon College in Orange.