Anzar falls in five games to Pacific Grove, can’t lock up second
place in MTAL
Pacific Grove – Despite making a valiant comeback, the Anzar High girls volleyball team couldn’t come all the way back and lost in five games to Pacific Grove on Wednesday – denying the Hawks a chance to clinch second place in the Mission Trail Athletic League and seal an automatic berth to the Central Coast Section playoffs.
The Breakers (13-6, 11-4 MTAL) moved into a tie for second with Anzar (17-6, 11-4) by earning the five-game win, 25-23, 26-24, 10-25, 21-25, 15-12.
“It was a wonderful match,” co-head coach Mike Dorney said. “The crowd got their money’s worth.”
After close losses in the first two games, the Hawks showed their tenacity by winning the third and fourth games.
“They’re a a tough bunch, they never give up,” Dorney said of his girls. “They read (their opponents) real well and make adjustments real well.”
Stellar serving made the difference in the third-game win and Anzar got the lucky bounces in the fourth game to send it to a decisive fifth game.
But Pacific Grove got back on track just in time and edged the Hawks to keep the Breakers hopes of a CCS berth alive.
Junior setter Danielle Bossler served up 39 assists for Anzar and Emily Deleissegues had another solid outing, with 17 kills and 35 digs. Junior Christina Flores and senior Jessica Staley both had 13 kills and six blocks.
The Hawks will have to rebound quickly. They face off against Robert Louis Stevenson tonight at home at 6pm and need to win and have Pacific Grove lose to Carmel to still secure the automatic berth.
“They know that it’s important because it really does mean a lot,” Dorney said. “I think they’re up for it. When they get on the court they love to play. Their desire to play well is apparent.”
Dorney was unclear of the league regulations in the event of the tie and if Anzar does not get the automatic berth, it may still apply for an at-large entry into the Division V playoffs.
