Miramonte's Lady Matadors celebrate another point won against Drake ( San Anselmo) in their victory in the final match of the day. Miramonte was a perfect 6-0 for the tournament. From Left to Right: Jane Siri (DS),
Juliana Stivanicevic (#7), Lissa Gilbert (L), Mary Diamantidis (#1), Kirsten Rutledge (RS) and Audrey Breitweiser (MB)
Photo Chris Gilbert
The Lady Mat's volleyball team stormed into the season with a 6-0 tournament sweep. Miramonte High School's women's volleyball team competed in the Albany Invitational Volleyball Tournament Saturday, September 19th. Led by senior co-captains and the tournament MVP's, setter/middle hitter Mary Diamantidis and outside hitter Juliana Stivanicevic, the Lady Mats defeated Carondelet, Maria Carillo, Marin Catholic and Drake.
The Drake Pirates have been a challenge for Miramonte over the last few years. However, the Mats came out victorious this time to win the championship. The Mats came out strong winning the first set 25-12. The Pirates stormed back in the second taking the set, 25-14. In the final game of the match, the two teams exchanged points and Drake led 7-6 when senior libero Lissa Gilbert served nine straight points, including three aces, to clinch the game 15-7 and the championship for the Lady Matadors. Stivanicevic led the team with 11 kills, two blocks and five digs against Drake and Diamantidis had 12 assists.
Miramonte has opened this year's campaign with a record of 7-1 under first-year head coach and Miramonte Alum Shannon Ross and Assistant Coach Joey Ballesteros.
"Everyone on the team shares equal credit for our success," said Ross. "Juliana had a lot of key kills and defensive plays for us today, and helped motivate her teammates as well. Mary Diamantidis set with authority, blocked extremely well and had some crucial kills for us. Haley Sayres came through with some key kills (six) and blocks (two) in final match, as did Michelle Ent (three kills, two blocks), Kirsten Rutledge (four kills, two blocks) and Audrey Breitweiser (four kills, three blocks). Sarah Vaccaro made some excellent decisions on the court today (15 assists) and was unstoppable defensively."
Mary Diamantidis soars high above the net for a block against Drake High School. The Miramonte Senior Captain recorded 62 assists, 34 kills and 19 blocks for the tournament. Photo Chris Gilbert
Miramonte outside hitter Juliana Stivanicevic executes another kills against Drake, while Lady Mats head coach Shannon Ross watches with intensity. Last year's DFAL league MVP recorded 61 kills for the tournament, including 12 kills against Drake in the tournament's final match. Photo Chris Gilbert
The Drake Pirates have been a challenge for Miramonte over the last few years. However, the Mats came out victorious this time to win the championship. The Mats came out strong winning the first set 25-12. The Pirates stormed back in the second taking the set, 25-14. In the final game of the match, the two teams exchanged points and Drake led 7-6 when senior libero Lissa Gilbert served nine straight points, including three aces, to clinch the game 15-7 and the championship for the Lady Matadors. Stivanicevic led the team with 11 kills, two blocks and five digs against Drake and Diamantidis had 12 assists.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA