Cate’s volleyball team has advanced to the CIF Division 4A semifinals. The Rams will host Summit of Fontana on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Peyton Shelburne went off for 19 kills to power Cate to a three-set sweep at Bishoo Conaty-Loretto in Los Angeles on Saturday in a CIF Division 4A quarterfinal girls volleyball playoff match. The game scores were 25-15, 25-15, 27-25.
With the victory, the top-seeded Rams (21-1) get a home match for Tuesday’s semifinals. They’ll face fourth-seeded Summit High of Fontana at 6 p.m.
Cate came into the quarterfinal without any information on Bishop Conaty-Loretto.
“The team searched the Internet for video, news clips, stats or anything that would help us but we came up empty,” coach Greg Novak said. “We walked into the gym without a scouting report.
“In the first set, we quickly found out this was going to be a battle. Loretto’s serve-receive passing was pretty solid and their defense was the best we hit at this season.”
The rallies were long, and Cate hitters were starting to get frustrated.
Novak called a timeout to plan a new strategy.
“We told the hitters that patience would pay off in the rallies and tipping was not an option,” he said. “We told them to keep swinging but to find new areas on the court. Junior Peyton Shelburne had some amazing angle shots, she hit a couple that hit cross court on Loretto’s three-foot line.”
Loretto had a 22-20 lead in the third set, but Cate managed to come back to take the lead 23-22.
“We continued to exchange points and then Peyton managed to crush a ball down the line for game point,” Novak said.
Cate’s “Blue Crew” cheering section shows their support for the Rams volleyball team.
Members of Cate’s “Blue Crew” fans rushed the court to celebrate with the player.
“A big help during the playoff run has been the Blue Crew,” Novak acknowledged. “They have great cheers and displays of appreciation when a great play happens. It’s hard not to laugh even while in the middle of the match. Having this next match at home will definitely be a big advantage. Our fan turnout is the best it’s ever been — it’s going to be packed and loud.”
Delaney Mayfield pounded 14 kills and Maddie Becker added 13 for the Rams.
Novak credited his team’s passing as key to the win.
“Our primary passers Hannah Bowlin, Maddie Becker and libero Sumner Matthews know a lot is riding on every pass so they have been working hard at every practice to improve their skills. We strive for at least a 2.00 passing average and last night they were just shy of that mark with a 1.94.”
