Aptos Volleyball Caps Season With Deep Playoff Run

The Aptos High girls volleyball team closed out its most successful season in five years, reaching the Central Coast Section Division III quarterfinals and earning its first 20-win season since 2019.

The No. 7-seeded Mariners finished 20-13 overall after falling to Archbishop Riordan High School of San Francisco, the No. 2 seed, in straight sets, 25-14, 25-10, 25-15, on Nov. 4. Junior outside hitter Ella Dueck led Aptos with seven kills, six digs, one ace and one block. Sophomore middle blocker Caitlin Lavelle added a kill and two blocks, while freshman setter Cana Taylor finished with four assists and two digs.

“Riordan’s service pressure and offensive pace were something we weren’t used to seeing in our league,” said head coach Hunter Zeng. “I hope the experience was eye-opening for all the returners we brought on the road with us.”

Aptos entered the postseason after a strong showing in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League tournament, highlighted by a five-set upset of league champion Scotts Valley in the semifinals on Oct. 28.

After dropping all three regular-season meetings to the Falcons, the Mariners battled back for a 22-25, 25-22, 25-20, 17-25, 15-11 victory. Dueck powered the offense with 20 kills, six digs and an ace, while senior outside hitter Kenzie Smith delivered five aces, eight kills, four blocks and eight digs. Freshman right-side hitter Ellie Hardesty contributed six kills and a block, and Taylor distributed 26 assists with one ace and five digs.

“We finally proved our ability to compete and close,” Zeng said. “We faced plenty of adversity, but our systems held up and we finished strong.”

Aptos went on to defeat Pioneer High School of San Jose, the No. 10 seed, in its CCS opener on Nov. 1, winning 25-16, 25-12, 23-25, 25-18 to avenge last year’s postseason loss. Dueck again led the way with 24 kills, five blocks and five digs, while Smith recorded six kills, three aces and 10 digs. Hardesty added five kills and two blocks, and Taylor combined with junior setter Mady Reed for 38 assists and five aces.

Although the Mariners’ season ended against Archbishop Riordan, Sent said the teams progress marked a major step forward for a young roster.

“It was an honor to lead this group to our best record in five years,” Zeng said. “One of the best parts of this postseason run is that our rookies — including players brought up from JV — will carry this experience with them as they continue with the program.”