Giants Volleyball Set to Host Hartnell in NorCal Playoff Showdown 

VISALIA, Calif. – The postseason begins at home for the College of the Sequoias volleyball team, as the Giants will host Hartnell College in the California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) Northern California Regional Playoffs this Tuesday, November 25 at 5:00 p.m. inside Porter Field House. 

COS (23-9, 6-2 Central Valley Conference-South) enters the postseason as the No. 7 seed in Northern California after finishing second in the CVC-South and closing the regular season on a three-match win streak. The Giants will face off against No. 10 seed Hartnell (18-12, 7-3 Coast-North), a team that tied for second in its conference. 

"We've been battle-tested all year, and we're excited for the opportunity to compete at home," said COS head coach Kim Rix. "This group has worked hard to put itself in a great position, and we're proud to be hosting in front of our fans and community." 

The Hartnell Panthers bring a balanced offense led by Matilyn Queen Royal (206 kills, .207 hitting), Sofia Luna (172 kills, 41 aces), and Dora Roberts (140 kills, 219 digs). The Panthers rely on a dual-setter system with Christina Cunningham and Sina Roberts combining for more than 550 assists. Libero Alyssa Winfield anchors the defense with 340 digs, helping Hartnell average nearly 15 digs per set while hitting .172 overall. 

Hartnell comes in having won seven of its last ten matches and is one of three teams from the Coast-North Conference to qualify for the postseason. These two teams are familiar foes—Sequoias swept Hartnell 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 27-25) on September 6 at the Delta Classic in Stockton, before the Panthers responded with a 3-2 win (22-25, 25-22, 25-20, 17-25, 15-7) at home on September 27 during the Hartnell Tri in Salinas. 

Sequoias by the Numbers 

The Giants lead the state in total digs and rank among the Northern California leaders in both blocking and hitting percentage. Offensively, they are led by freshman outside hitter Ai-Lani Hunter (Central East HS), who has totaled 299 kills on a .314 hitting percentage, and setter Molly Forehan (Austrailia), who crossed the 600-assist milestone and finished the regular season with 621 assists and 57 service aces. Fellow hitters Mariainez Lopez (Dinuba HS) and Trinity Tavita (Nevada) have added 272 and 258 kills, respectively, while also contributing in the back row and at the service line. 

Libero Allison Wood (Immanuel HS) surpassed the 700-dig mark this year and leads the entire state with 715 digs. At the net, Leilani Smith (Florida) and Mallary Gonzalez (Hoover HS) anchor a strong blocking core with 122 and 119 blocks, respectively. The team has held opponents to just a .122 hitting percentage and averages over 2.6 blocks per set. Overall, College of the Sequoias has outdug opponents 2,085 to 1,578 this season. 

"We've grown in every part of the game, but our toughness and ability to grind through long rallies has made the difference in so many matches. I'm proud of our preparation and focus heading into Tuesday." said Rix. 

All-Conference Honors 

Wood was named the Central Valley Conference-South Libero of the Year and earned a spot on the All-CVC First Team after leading the state in digs and providing defensive stability throughout the season. Joining her on the First Team were setter Molly Forehan, who directed the Giants' offense with precision and ranked amongst the state leaders in assists, and outside hitter Ai-Lani Hunter, whose .314 hitting percentage and all-around impact made her a go-to option. 

The Giants were also well-represented on the All-CVC Second Team, with Lopez (272 kills, 384 digs) and Tavita (258 kills, 156 digs) earning recognition. Freshman setter Natalie Rankin (Porterville HS) also landed on the second team thanks to her 388 assists and 41 service aces. Honorable mention selections included Faizia Mamea (Nevada), who added 121 kills and 60 blocks, Gonzalez for her blocking and hitting efficiency with 88 kills and 119 blocks, and Smith, who played a huge role in the middle with 132 kills and 122 blocks. 

Ticket Information 

Playoff admission prices have been set by the 3C2A, with general admission at $12 and a discounted rate of $8 is available for all identified students, faculty, staff, senior citizens age 60 and over, and children under 12 years of age. Doors to Porter Field House will open at 4:00 p.m.  

What's Next 

The winner of Tuesday's match between No. 7 COS and No. 10 Hartnell will advance to the Northern California Regional Final and face the winner of No. 2 Taft vs. No. 15 Solano/No. 18 Clovis on Saturday, November 29.