Paloma girls volleyball team loses in first round of playoffs

Baylie Moore attacks at the net during Paloma Valley's girls volleyball match. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

The Paloma Valley girls volleyball team finished off their season with a loss in the first round of the CIF-SS playoffs in five sets Wednesday night at home.

The Wildcats were coming off a 3-1 league loss to Rancho Christian last week and a final league record of 3-3 (21-9 overall) before the 3-2 defeat against St. Margaret’s Episcopal School.

Senior Grace Liesemeyer said the loss comes as a disappointment to her in her final year in the program.

“I feel like it’s really disappointing to go out like this as a senior, with it being my last game with this group of girls and my coach,” she said. “This season has been tough, especially losing starters to injuries throughout different games, but, overall, tonight we lost as a team and put everything out for the win.”

The two Paloma wins came in the second and fourth sets with scores of 25-12 and 25-13, respectively. The Tartans’ three wins were 25-15, 25-16 and 15-11.

Head coach Stephen Kaas said even with the loss, he is still proud of his team.

“This team exceeded all my expectations,” he said. “They played strong through adversity and our leaders were great when we needed them.”

Among those leaders were seniors Lara Martinez, who had 27 kills on the night; Baylie Moore, who had 10 of her own; and Liesemeyer, who had five aces and 17 digs, breaking her third school record of the year with 304 total sets played in her career with Paloma.

Liesemeyer said that this team made it through the year with perseverance and team unity.

“We had our ups and downs like every team,” she said. “But, for the most part, we were constantly on the same page… We all had great connection on and off the court and just because the season ends, I guarantee our friendships won’t.”

She also said that she is excited for Malia Jones, a first-time libero next year, to potentially follow in her footsteps and break school records, as well as Lauren Kendal and Lacie Lomenick, who she expects to lead the team.

Paloma was one of three Menifee teams to make it to the volleyball playoffs and the first to play. Liberty and Santa Rosa will both have their first CIF matches today at 5 p.m.

Grace Liesemeyer bumps the ball during Wednesday's match. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Baylie Moore (4) goes up against an opponent at the net. (Action Captures Media Group)

Lara Martinez (12) battles an opponent at the net Wednesday. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 

Desiree Garcia leaps for a shot during Wednesday's playoff match. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)