Thursday, the superiority was on full display once again.
Northgate defeated Amador Valley 25-17, 25-21, 22-25, 25-15 to capture its second consecutive section crown and fourth overall — but first in Division I. Northgate won the D-II title last season.
The Walnut Creek school improved to 40-3 on the season while remaining undefeated against NCS opponents.
“It’s such a special team,” Northgate coach Joe Peacock said. “I’m so happy that they didn’t choke and they didn’t let the pressure get to them. The moment didn’t become too large, and they were able to do what everybody expected.”
After securing the win, Northgate celebrated with a packed student section. But for senior captain Austin Chan, the victory was bittersweet. “It was super exciting, but it was also super sad that this was the last NCS playoffs for the seniors,” Chan said. “I’m really speechless. But it’s been great to play with my boys that I started with and finish off NCS going back to back.”
Northgate was determined to get off to a fast start.
The Broncos opened the first set scoring the first five points. They led by as much as nine and cruised to an eight-point victory in the first set.
Amador Valley (26-11) played the second set much closer, but Northgate’s frontline of Connor Harze and Conor Walsh sent away any spikes toward the net. Northgate was in complete control, taking the first two sets with a raucous home crowd anxious for the Broncos to complete the sweep.
But the Dons didn’t go down without a fight.
Amador Valley got off to a hot start in the third set behind an aggressive attack led by senior outside hitter Max Riter. The Pleasanton school led by as much as six points and won the third set to avoid the sweep.
For Northgate, it was the first set it lost this postseason.
While Amador Valley’s fight was valiant, Northgate proved to be too athletic for the scrappy Dons.
The Broncos easily took the final set, leading by as much as 11. Senior middle hitter Trey Broussard delivered the game-winning kill as Northgate cruised to victory.
“After the third set, we knew we couldn’t let up on the gas,” Harze said. “We let up on the gas in the third set and we dropped it. We promised to not let that happen again. And we did that.”
Northgate’s length and athleticism at the net made the usually high-powered Amador Valley offense stagnant.
“They were a very good blocking team,” Amador Valley coach Ross Yu said... Click here to read full article
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