by Matt Schwab

 

With a big road showdown at Monterey Peninsula set for Wednesday, Oct. 16, the young Las Positas volleyball team is basking in the glow of an eight-game winning streak.
The Hawks (8-4, 2-0 Coast-North) opened Coast-North play last week in rousing style with a pair of home wins, beating Hartnell, 3-2, on Oct. 9 and De Anza, 3-0, on Oct. 11. The scores against Hartnell were 17-25, 25-20, 16-25, 27-25, 15-12. The scores against De Anza were 25-13, 25-20, 25-11.
Talk about a coming-of-age season.
"It's been a great run so far. We've got a young team, with five freshmen and two sophomores in the starting lineup, and they're gaining confidence with every win," head coach Jamie Hadenfeldt said. "The team has been relentless, with a never-quit attitude."
The coached cited a "huge comeback" against Hartnell as a prime example of the team's iron will.
"Down 24-19 in a must-win set 4, and they fought back to win 27-25," she said. "They kept the momentum going and closed it out 15-12 in set 5. The key to our success has been consistency on the serve line, minimizing errors and making smart defensive adjustments when needed. It's been exciting to watch them compete, handle pressure, and rise to the occasion."
Freshman Ainsley Wade had a team-high 23 kills against Hartnell, and freshman Taylor Huerta had 18 kills. Freshman Jade Dancel amassed 45 assists.
Against De Anza, Wade powered down 18 kills, followed by Huerta with 12 while both hitters finishing with 14 digs. Sophomore libero Mimi Mckaig had 12 digs while Dancel handed out 37 assists in the romp.
Looking ahead, Hadenfeldt expects a "tough one" in Monterey, in a battle for sole possession of first place.
"It's going to be a great challenge, and we're looking forward to it!" she declared.