Cate Boys Varsity Volleyball Triumphs in Playoff Qualifier

April 19, 2024

Teamwork and Determination Propel Cate to CIF Playoffs

Ben Richmond ’24 tallying 16 kills and 4 blocks. Photo captured by Coach Peterson

Tonight in a deciding tiebreak match versus St. Bonaventure for 3rd in League and a berth to CIF playoffs, the Cate boys varsity team came out determined and played with grit to clinch the opportunity to advance. The team lost the first set 25-14, it seemed like nothing could go right. But they quickly shook it off, regrouped, and focused on their game plan.

St. Bonaventure had a tenacious defense, so we knew we had to keep swinging and move our defense around to pick up some hard-hit balls from their outside and middle hitters.  The team put the pressure on with tough serving, with Max Devore ’25 and Patrick Wykoff ’27 earning 3 and 4 aces respectively.

Just about everyone on the court picked up 5 or more digs each with Lucian Tann ’25 and Lucas Huiner ’25 matching at 8 a piece. Ben Richmond ’24 continued to be a force at the net, tallying 16 kills and 4 blocks, followed by a solid 10 kills from Henry Bouma ’25 and 8 kills from Lucian Tann out of the middle. Overall, setter Zadin Stephens ’25 ran a balanced attack and it paid off. The team won the next three sets and the match decisively.

And now we wait for CIF playoff seeding to come out on Saturday – our next match could be Tuesday or Thursday of next week.

Scores: 14-25, 25-20, 25-9, 25-12