Reaching the CCS playoffs had been the goal for the Bruins from the first day of practice this season, and it had become a reality.

Branham received the No. 7 seed in CCS Division III and faced No. 12 Seaside in the first round. Branham used its experience to get the win in three games, 25-5, 25-18, 25-10.

The key to the victory was that "we were mentally and physically strong and had playoff experience that Seaside did not have," said Branham coach Dave Faz. "It was Seaside's first time in the playoffs and we were able to use that to our advantage."

Amber Kauffman, who has been one of the outstanding offensive players for the Bruins all season, led the way again with 15 kills. Setter Jessica Alameda was responsible for making the offense possible, averaging about 26 assists per match during the regular season. The Bruins also got very strong defensive play from sophomore standout Chasen Soltis.

Unfortunately for the Bruins, No. 2 Presentation was waiting for them in the second round of competition. Branham put together a very strong performance but it just wasn't enough against the stronger and more experienced Presentation squad as they fell to defeat 17-25,18-25, 8-25.

Kauffman again led the way with 11 kills. Junior Ashley Madrigal finished strong with "her best all around game of the year," said Faz.

"We wanted to have a season where we showed that we were able to compete against the private schools," added Faz. "In the end it was their mental edge that was the difference, but I think we accomplished our goal."

"It was our first time to make it to the second round of CCS and our goal was to be better this year than in the past," said the coach. "We did not want to just be happy to be in the playoffs and we accomplished both of those goals. It was a very good season and something to build upon for the future."

Leland tops Scots

By virtue of it's first place finish in the Mt. Hamilton Division of the BVAL, Leland received a first-round bye in the Division II CCS playoffs. In round two, the No. 4 Chargers went up against No. 5 Carlmont, who had momentum coming in from its first-round victory.

It was a rematch the Chargers were hoping for. Leland had met the Scots early in the year in the Milpitas tournament and suffered a disappointing defeat, losing two of three very close games.

The Chargers knew they would have to put forth their very best effort to turn the tables this time. It proved to be a very hard-fought match as each game was marked by tight scores, outstanding defensive play that saved points again and again, long rallies, and strong offensive performances. When the final shot bounced to the floor, Leland had battled to a three games to two edge to prevail in the match 24-26, 25-10, 25-21, 18-25, 15-12.

Christy Gillick did an outstanding job as the offensive setter.

"She was jump setting almost every ball," said coach Chris Hansen, "trying to set up a one on one situation between the hitter and the blocker. She was able to do that all night long."

This was made possible by the precision passing of both Alaina Walker and Sally Hahn.

The combination of that effort opened the door for the exceptional offensive performance by senior Briana Scala (26 kills) and her freshman sister, Chaulet Scala (19 kills).

"Chaulet was outstanding and had one of her best performances of the season," added Hansen.

There's no sibling rivalry here though.

"Before this year, I had never played on the same team with my sister," said Briana. "It's been so nice to have her on the team. We are good friends and she has helped me with my game. She gives me her honest opinion and tells me what I need to hear and not what I want to hear. I have just loved playing with her."

In addition to a potent offensive attack, the Chargers were also strong defensively. Led by Walker, Leland came up with dig after dig and played with a never say quit attitude.

"Alaina [Walker] is one of our quickest defensive players and is a key for us," said Hansen. "She reads very well and picks up the soft shots as well as the hard shots."

The Chargers will need the effort they put up for Carlmont and more as they face the always-powerful No. 1 Mitty (in the semifinals. "They have so much experience and are just tough to beat because their kids give everything every day," Hansen said.

"No matter what happens, I'm proud of our girls and excited about their performance and how they have played and what we have accomplished this year."

The CCS semifinals were scheduled for Nov. 19. The Leland (26-3)-Mitty (28-3) winner will face the Aptos (24-4)-Los Gatos (31-4) winner in the CCS championship match on Nov. 22 at West Valley College.