GVB: Owls shake off Shadow Hills to reach CIF semis

Laguna Blanca's Maddy Nicolson hits against Shadow Hills. (John Dvorak/Presidio Sports Photos)

Laguna Blanca’s Maddy Nicolson hits against Shadow Hills. (John Dvorak/Presidio Sports Photos)

Laguna Blanca secured a 25-6, 25-13, 20-25, 25-10 CIF victory over visiting Shadow Hills on Saturday night in the Division 4AA girls volleyball quarterfinals.

The Owls dominated the first two sets before hitting a speed bump in the third game. A raucous cheering section for the visitors helped channel energy to the Shadow Hills team, which was making its fourth straight quarterfinal appearance.

Phoebe Madsen led the Owls in multiple stat categories.

Phoebe Madsen led the Owls in multiple stat categories.

“We responded from a tough third game where Shadow Hills made an adjustment and played really well,” explained Laguna Blanca head coach Jason Donnelly. “We stayed focus and played a great fourth game to seal the match.”

Phoebe Madsen’s all-around game included 15 kills, 28 assists, nine digs and three aces. Caylin Zimmerman, too, was active in all areas of the court and produced 12 kills, 21 digs and three aces. Kelly Bickett finished with 25 assists, nine digs and added another three aces.

Laguna Blanca, the division’s fourth seed, advances to Tuesday’s semifinal round and will host Archer, which swept No. 1-seeded La Reina on Saturday.

“These girls have worked hard for this and they deserve to be be in the semis,” Donnelly said.