Girls’ varsity volleyball (19-6 overall, 12-1 Peninsula Athletic League Bay) celebrated their seniors in a decisive three-set win (25-11, 25-13, 25-13) against San Mateo High School on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Five seniors — right side Vanessa Meints, middle blocker Abbi Aufhauser, outside hitter Ella Duong, setter Jillian Kiniris, and middle blocker Sophia Geminder — were honored in a ceremony before the game. Although they couldn’t play on their true home court for their senior night, the team still brought energy and excitement.
“I think we were all very sad, but also very like appreciative. We have all been on varsity for three to four years. So I think just being surrounded by this community, really contributed to [our performance], ” Aufhauser said.
Fittingly, the seniors led the way, as Aufhauser and Kiniris showed out with multiple kills and blocks. Junior Zoey Hakes had multiple aces and top-notch serves while junior Addie Urich added multiple digs to strength the Panthers defensivly.
Burlingame also experimented with a couple of trick plays to add to the thrill.
“I always love when we do [our trick plays,] but like when they give us a free pass we always run this like a special play. Ours is called tooth fairy, and that’s where the middle [blocker] runs around for a three, and outside [hitter] goes for a two. And I think we had a play like that where Ella ran in for the two and she smashed it. That was one of my favorite plays,” Geminder said.
The Panthers stayed aggressive all game, fighting for free balls and kills. Their relentless offense kept the Bearcats on their toes, allowing the Panthers to control the pace of the game.
Kiniris and Duong proved to be a lethal duo, racking up impressive kills and outmaneuvering their opponents cohesively. Kiniris set up hitters with pinpoint passes to set up easy points.
“I think that we kind of started off just kind of seeing like how [San Mateo] would play out, and
then that kind of influenced the rest [of the game] and how we came out with more aggression through the second half and a lot more energy,” Kiniris said.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will face Sequoia on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the PAL Bay league matchup of the season. A win would put Burlingame in a tie for the league title with their biggest rival, Menlo-Atherton High School. As defending champions of last year’s Central Coast Section DIII title, the Panthers are focused on carrying their momentum through playoffs and possibly to another championship.
“It’s not the end of our season, and it’s not the end of their volleyball careers at Burlingame so I try to not get too emotional, and try not let them get too emotional. But I definitely think they’re excited to see all the fans here and to have their family with them for a game, and I think they’re excited for what playoffs have to hold for us as well,” Korslund said.
