Giants Volleyball Sweep Lemoore on Sophomore Night, Await Playoff Brackets 

VISALIA, Calif. – College of the Sequoias women's volleyball closed out its regular season in style Thursday night with a decisive sweep of Lemoore College (25-14, 25-12, 25-17) on Sophomore Night at Porter Field House. The Giants, who honored their sophomores before the match, improved to 23-9 overall (6-2 CVC) and will now await today's release of the 3C2A NorCal Regional Playoff brackets. 

The victory marked another GIANT effort for Sequoias, who controlled the match from the opening whistle. The Giants hit .262 as a team while holding Lemoore to a -.028 percentage, and registered 33 kills, 6 aces, and 11 total blocks in just three sets.  

The victory also marked milestone moments for two of the Giants' sophomore leaders. Libero Allison Wood (Immanuel HS) reached the 700-dig milestone in the match and officially closed the regular season as the state's leader in total digs with 715. Meanwhile, sophomore setter Molly Forehan joined elite company as well, notching her 600th assist and finishing the regular season with 621, among the top in California. 

The offense was led by freshman outside hitter Ai-Lani Hunter with 11 kills on a .333 clip. Trinity Tavita (Las Vegas) with 6 kills, Mariainez Lopez (Dinuba HS) contributed with 6 kills and 13 digs, and Mallary Gonzalez (Hoover HS) added 4 kills with a 1.000 hitting percentage, all contributed to a balanced attack, while setter Molly Forehan (Australia) dished out 21 assists and added an ace. 

The Giants' defense was once again anchored by sophomore libero Wood, who recorded 18 digs and two aces. Lopez also added 1 solo block, and middle blocker Leilani Smith chipped in with 2 solo and 3 block assists as COS tallied 11 team blocks. 

"This was a great way to close out the regular season," said Head Coach Kim Rix. "We've been talking all year about building consistency and trusting each other, and I think you saw that tonight. I'm so proud of Allison and Molly for reaching those milestones — they've both been such great leaders for us, and the entire team has fed off their energy." 

Postseason Outlook 

College of the Sequoias will now wait for the official release of the NorCal playoff bracket, expected later Tuesday afternoon. With a 23-win regular season and strong performances throughout conference play, the Giants are projected to secure a top-10 seed and earn a postseason berth. 

"We've challenged ourselves with a tough schedule all year," Rix added. "Our team is battle-tested and ready for the playoffs. Now we just have to wait and see where we land."