Royals drop finale but are optimistic for future

A year of transition came to a close Thursday for the San Marcos girls volleyball team as the Royals were defeated 19-25, 25-16, 25-17, 25-17 on the road against Ventura.

Jaimie Mayner was stellar in the finale, putting away 12 kills on 23 sets with just one error. Senior setter Casey Harding-Brown ended her career on a high note, dishing out 26 assists and also shoveling up nine digs. That means coach Erica Downing owes her players ice cream.

“I told her that if she had more than five digs I’d buy the whole team ice cream… She played great. It was by far the best she’s played all year,” said Downing.

Emma Campbell continued her ever-consistent ways in the back row, scooping up 23 digs.

“The game scores don’t really show how well we played. We came into the first game with the right attitude and served tough,” said Downing. ‘They have two very strong outside hitter that came in, and we were digging them but just not at the right times.”

San Marcos didn’t pick up a Channel League win this year, but there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the program according to Downing.

“It’s sad to see all the seniors go, but we’re really excited because three of our key players are coming back. There’s only one way to go, and that’s up,” she said.