Preps of the week: Fisher leads way as Branson volleyball team piles up impressive wins
The Branson School girls volleyball team is coming off one of its most impressive seasons, having made it to the NorCal Open Division semifinals last year. If this past weekend was any indication, the Bulls could be eyeing a return trip at the tail end of this season.
Branson defeated both of the teams that advanced to the NorCal Open championship last season, taking out Saint Francis and Archbishop Mitty on Saturday. Led by outside hitter Elena Fisher, the Bulls also opened up MCAL play with an important victory against Marin Catholic on Friday.
Several Marin football teams enjoyed banner weeks, including Marin Catholic which netted a much-needed first win behind some late-game heroics. Redwood and Novato rolled to statement victories against teams that were considered their equals in the MaxPrep.com rankings.
Terra Linda won its second consecutive game on the back of a strong defensive effort. San Marin also got some standout defensive play in a comfortable win against long-time non-league foe, Moreau Catholic.
Elena Fisher, Branson girls volleyball
Fisher put together a pretty impressive 24-hour stretch, helping the Bulls pick up three wins against some of the top teams in Northern California on Friday and Saturday. Fisher, a two-time All-MCAL first teamer and the odds-on favorite to be the league’s player of the year this season, got started with 21 kills in the league opener against Marin Catholic on Friday night. Fisher hit .528 with only two errors during the Bulls’ four-set win. Fisher had 15 kills, 11 digs, and four blocks in the opening match Saturday when Branson took down defending NorCal Open champion Archbishop Mitty in three sets. Fisher had 17 more kills, 11 digs, and five blocks as the Bulls beat NorCal runner-up Saint Francis in five sets. Branson also got strong performances from libero Lauren Dignan, setter Celia Tolmie, and outside hitter Blake Cussen.
Caedon Afsharipour, Marin Catholic football
The Wildcats junior quarterback had his best performance of the season as MC rallied for a 29-28 road win against Manteca on Friday night. Afsharipour threw for 287 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including the game winner from 21 yards out to Chase Merrick in the final 2 minutes of the game. Afsharipour’s other touchdown was an 11-yarder to receiver Braiden Bachich-Dixon. MC trailed 22-7 at the half and was in danger of tumbling to 0-3 ahead of its game against Tam next weekend.
Mateo Pattani, Terra Linda football
Pattani had a spectacular all-around game, intercepting three passes to lead TL’s defense to a 20-0 shutout against Skyline on Saturday night. In addition, Pattani also had 118 yards on three punt returns, including a touchdown that was called back. Pattani chipped in offensively with two catches for 13 yards.
Elizabeth Liu, Branson girls golf
Liu, the two-time defending MCAL player of the year, turned in a pair of medalist finishes this week for the Bulls. Liu carded a 38 at Peacock Gap against Archie Williams last Monday then shot a 38 to help Branson to a victory against Marin Catholic.
Kody Vasquez and Sean Cunneen, Redwood football
Vasquez and Cunneen combined to score four touchdowns as the Giants raced out to a 32-point lead during an eventual 32-16 home win against Maria Carrillo on Saturday. Vasquez completed 16 of his 25 passes for 251 yards, with touchdowns of 5 and 60 yards to Ronan Ralston and Ashlin Quach, respectively. Cunneen bullied his way for 152 yards on 17 carries, including touchdowns of 3 and 56 yards.
Liam McMann, San Marin football
McMann, a tight end on offense, scored the first varsity touchdown of his career as the Mustangs cruised to a 34-12 home win against Moreau Catholic on Friday. McMann, who also had a team-high 3.5 sacks on defense, caught one of four touchdowns thrown by quarterback Daniel Rolovich. Receiver Wesley Timmel caught the other three.
Emmeline Sandgren, Tam girls volleyball
Tam’s setter helped the team to a 3-0 week, including a three-set win against San Rafael in its MCAL opener. Sandgren had 23 assists and five aces in a three-set win over Maria Carrillo on Tuesday then dished out 35 assists and had two blocks as Tam needed four sets to take down Ukiah on Thursday. Sandgren added 25 more assists against San Rafael on Friday.
Trevor Cleary, Novato football
The Hornets quarterback threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns as Novato rolled to a comfortable 34-7 win against Encinal at home on Saturday. Cleary, who also ran for 51 yards, found Sal Carrow and Dominic Scafani on scoring passes.