A second state title for Mount Madonna: the Hawks first won state in 2007
On Friday, November 22 at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, the Mount Madonna School (MMS) Hawks defeated University High School Charter of Los Angeles in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) D-V state volleyball championship match, 25-15, 20-25, 25-22, 25-8.
Both teams showed some nervousness to start the match. University showed up with a cheering squad, a drumbeat core and a pep squad who all supported their team with a lot of enthusiasm. A number of Mount Madonna Hawks’ faithful – faculty, current students, families, alumni and other supporters were there to cheer on the team.
“This has been a season of amazing accomplishments by a team of really strong athletes,” observed MMS High School Athletic Director PK McDonald (’04). “They are CCS champions, NorCal champions and now state champions! The dedication and determination they demonstrated throughout the season is the result of years of hard work and practice. Coach Erin Mitchell (’10) brought her own experience as a Hawks’ player to this mix and she deserves huge credit for teaching these student athletes what it takes to achieve at this level of play. We are especially thankful to our many dedicated Hawks’ fans who came together and rallied to support this team every step of the way.”
The Hawks ran away with the first set, helped out by a six-point serving run by sophomore Liana Kitchel. Unfortunately, the Hawks couldn’t keep that momentum for the second set. They started out down, and couldn’t quite ever catch up despite a couple of runs. They came out firing in the third game and never gave up the lead, despite a late-game run by University.
In the fourth game, the Hawks sided out for 1-0. Kitchel went back to serve and ended her turn at serving at 12-0. The whole team was playing like we have come to expect! Kitchel went back to serve again at 23-8 and served two more points to end the match.
Senior outside Paola Jacobs had 25 kills and seven digs. Kitchel had nine kills, 16 digs, four aces and served 27 of the team’s 52 points earned while serving. Senior defensive specialist Tabby Hardin-Zollo had two aces and 13 digs. Senior libero AnMei Dasbach-Prisk had 14 digs. Freshman middle Eve Willis had nine kills. Junior setter Savannah Campbell had 41 assists and five aces and five kills.
“We are so proud of the hard work, dedication and team spirit that these athletes demonstrated,” commented Mount Madonna Head of School Mary Supriya McDonald. “They keep it positive and show great resilience and determination to play their best in every moment. We are so appreciative of our excellent alumni coaching team, Erin Mitchell and PK McDonald, who spent many hours preparing for each match and led by example.”
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Photos by Ward Mailliard
Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.
