Sonoma Valley volleyball squad stays on its toes in league play

The girls volleyball team continues its strong play with games both at home and on the road, and currently sports a 4-2 record on the year, with a 1-1 split in Vine Valley league play.

Their first league came ended in a disappointing loss to Justin-Sienna on Sept. 4, despite the fact that the Lady Dragons took the lead in all three of the games but could not put any of them away. Scores were 25-23, 26-24 and 25-20. “Our unforced errors really hurt us in the end,” said Coach Rand Rognlien.

“We had some bright spots in our serving and blocking,” Rognlien noted, pointing out Marissa White’s six scoring aces and six blocks by Ruby Capriola.

The team got some vengeance two nights later, as they soundly defeated American Canyon in another three-game match. Scores were 25-13, 25-23 and 25-14.

“All 15 of our girls played and contributed to a solid 3-0 win,” said Rognlien.

Leaders were Gabby Knudsen with six kills, Giana Bruton with three serving aces and White with 16 digs.

This week the volleyball teams bring back the Sonoma Valley Greg Paganini Invitational after a two-year hiatus. The tournament is Sept. 15 for junior varsity, with 10 teams competing, and Sept. 22 for the 12 competing varsity teams. “There is a long history with this tourney in the valley,” said Rognlien.

The Paganini Invitational is a fundraiser for the team, and open to the public. The schools compete in pool play in the morning, staring at 8:30, followed by single elimination in the afteroon. Finals are expected to begin about 5 p.m.

Adult tickets are $5, kids and students are free. The Palooza food truck and other concessions will be at the tournament all day, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Next game for the Lady Dragons is today, Tuesday, Sept. 11, against the Vintage Crushers in Napa. Both teams put their 4-2 records on the line.

Thursday, Sept. 13, finds the Dragons hosting the Casa Grande Gauchos at Pfeiffer Gym.