by Robert Lewis, CCCSIA
#T3 Foothill d. #11 Fresno City, 3-1 (27-29, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23)
OH Riana Brennan lived up to her First Team All-American billing with one of the great performances in regional playoff history as she led the The North No.2 Owls to a 4-set triumph over the #6 seed Rams. Brennan rifled her collegiate career high of 32 kills and added 17 digs in helping to end Fresno's 17-match win streak. Foothill, on a 1-match win string itself, won for the third time this season v. FCC. The other two meetings were epic 5-set affairs with one deciding the Delta Classic title in September. Brennan has recorded a double-double in kills/digs in each of the playoff rounds. Also for Coast South Division champ Foothill, Isabella Mauricio contributed 16 kills and 10 digs and the blocking duo of Camila Mauricio and Nicole Brown scored 8 blocks each (both had 4 solos). The Owls net play was a huge factor as they made 23 team block kills overall. In the fourth set, Fresno tried to extend it to another 5-setter in taking an 18-17 lead, but Foothill regained the lead at 24-21. After the Rams fought off two match points, Foothill closed the deal and an excursion to the State Championships. Second Team All-American MB Malerie Crenshaw led Central Valley Conference champion Fresno this season.
Records: Foothill 28-1; Fresno City 22-5
