Year-End Volleyball Honors Roll In

Clare Bolton '09 was named to the Monterey Herald All County team for the fourth year in a row. She was also chosen for the MTAL first team and voted MVP by the MTAL league coaches. As senior captain, she led the volleyball team to back-to-back league championships and Central Coast Section playoffs. "Despite being the team's best offensive weapon, Clare unselfishly knew that to win a league title and advance to the playoffs, she had to put that aside and play the role of setter. She set up other players for points and glory," said coach Mark Zalin. "Volleyball aficionados are most impressed with Clare's ability to mix up her sets and keep a defense off balance and an offense happy with opportunities for everyone to excel and contribute."

Michelle Briggs '09 was named to the Salinas California and Monterey Herald All County teams, as well as the MTAL first team. "Michelle is one of the most dominant middle hitter and blockers in the county," stated Zalin. "She was instrumental in the team's back-to-back championships and playoff run."

Taylor Fox '10 was selected to the MTAL first team, and singled out as "one to watch" by the Salinas Californian and Monterey Herald All County teams. "She is one of the leading outside hitters in the county and another reason we were able to capture the league crowns," Zalin said.

Congratulations to the entire team for an amazing season!

Volleyball Team Wins MTAL Championship

The volleyball team claimed its sixth Mission Trail Athletic League crown in eight years on November 6, 2008. With a 16-7 record overall, the girls beat Pacific Grove 25-16, 25-14, 25-19. Michelle Briggs had 18 kills and three assists, Shelby Carroll had seven kills, and Claire Bolton had 18 assists.

At the recent MTAL All League meeting, setter Clare Bolton was voted MVP in the league. She was joined by Taylor Fox and Michelle Briggs on the All League first team, and second team selections included Sage Wright, Danyel Kahumoku, and Shelby Carroll.

"We want to thank everyone who supported us, both home and away, throughout the season," said coach Mark Zalin. The team will now go on to the Central Coast Section championship playoffs.

Update: The Cougars beat Kings Academy 3-2 in the first round of the CCS playoffs on November 11, 2008. Way to go!

Photo by Bob Silverman

Volleyball Team 10-0

Deemed "still perfect" by the Monterey Herald, Santa Catalina's volleyball team beat Carmel High on October 24, 2008. The crowds are getting bigger as the girls move forward with 37 straight league wins and a 10-0 season sweep. Team members Michelle Briggs and Taylor Fox were both named Athletes of the Week by the Monterey Herald. "It's a good year," says Mark Zalin, Athletic Director and head volleyball coach. "We're looking to claim another league title."
Photo by Bob Silverman

Volleyball Team Remains Undefeated

Senior Michelle Briggs had a career high of 21 kills and led the Cougars to a 25-20, 25-19, 26-24 win over the King City Mustangs last Thursday.

"If she does not block your shot, she makes you think about where to hit it,'' Santa Catalina coach Mark Zalin said. "When she's at the net, we're a different team.''

At Wednesday's game against Carmel High's Padres, Michelle led the Cougars' attack with 13 kills and four blocks. Taylor Fox added 11 kills and Sage Wright had 18 service points for a final score of 25-19, 25-10, 25-17. Photo by Bob Silverman