Varsity boys volleyball chop down Redwood in MCAL semifinals

Mia DeNunzio, Head Copy Editor|April 29, 2022

Corina Karr

The Falcons defend their home court in the second set as they prepare for the Giants to hit the ball back over the net.

During the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) semifinals Wed., April 27, the boys varsity volleyball team beat Redwood High School in a thrilling match. They won in three sets on their home court, adding onto their previous record of 14-0 in MCAL and 19-5 overall.

From the beginning of the game, the gym was packed with AWHS students and parents. Though they had a rough start to the first set, they quickly bounced back and won the set, managing to stay ahead of the Giants. Junior middle Will Gustafson led the offense, as all the players worked together to defend their home court.

“They competed on every point, and they didn’t give up anything easily, which was the key,” said varsity boys volleyball coach Greg Jones.

Senior setter and team captain Owen Johnson serves the ball from the back of the court, successfully setting the stage for the Falcons to score a point. (Corina Karr)

In the second set, senior middle Jordan Freeman played a crucial part of the Falcons offense by successfully scoring against the Giants. The score in the beginning of the second set was tight, but AWHS persisted until they were in the lead 17-9, holding on until they won the set.

The third set began with the Giants on a 0-5 run. However, Will brought the Falcon’s  back, scoring a point and clearing the way for AWHS to pull ahead. 

The team collaborated, playing aggressive defense to remain ahead of the Giants. As the game came to a close, the Giants began to climb closer, but they never managed to pass the Falcons. Finally, AWHS won the third set 25-18.

“I thought we had good energy, and I thought we all played good. We all executed to our best ability,” said senior setter and team captain Owen Johnson.

Now, the Falcons advance to the MCAL championships, Fri., April 29, they will play Tamalpais High School at the AWHS home court in hopes of  securing first place in MCAL and moving onto NCS.