Reno snuffs out Carson's state tourney hopes

Reno High volleyball didn’t let Carson hang around Wednesday night in the Class 5A North regional semifinals, sweeping the Senators 3-0 – 25-8, 25-20, 25-14.

The Huskies clinch a spot in the Class 5A state tournament and Class 5A North regional championship against Spanish Springs Saturday.

Carson wraps up its 2023 season with a 22-9 overall record, marking its winningest season since 2015 when the Senators went 22-11.

“I’m happy. It’s a tough league. I feel like there are multiple teams who improved throughout the season,” said Carson High head coach Brittany Witter. “Really looking forward to the future. There’s been a lot of growth and sportsmanship, which is big to me as a coach.”

Fighting from behind

Carson’s first set wasn’t much to make note of as the Huskies took control early, posting a 25-8 opening frame.

The Senators had some trouble communicating on points, which allowed Reno to pull away quickly.

“They came out tense and when we play tense we don’t play very well,” said Witter. “Some hesitation and looking a little timid.”

The second set was the Senators’ best chance to get back into the semifinal matchup.

Reno led early, but Carson’s defense was able to keep the Senators in points and allow them to get on the attack at times.

Abby Franco pelted several kills while Ava Kordonowy and Madelyn Monson continued to dig balls up off the floor.

Franco served as good chunk of the life for the Senators in the second set, rotating between all six spots and making plays in any position.

Witter emphasized how much a luxury having Franco has been this season and how valuable she will be for the team over the next two years.

“She was the one player who held us in this game,” said Witter. “She has the passion. She is instrumental. To think that she still has two more years is huge. … I’m excited to see her continue to grow and she will be a key player and leader next year.”

The third set started the same way as the Huskies maneuvered their way to a 10-3 lead.

Carson was able to stall Reno’s runs at points, but the Huskies never let the Senators go on any real runs throughout the match.

“Reno has by far the fastest offense we’ve played against,” said Witter. “I think my middle were a little take aback by that.”

Carson will graduate seven members of its squad this season in the spring, losing Monson, Anna Turner, Sarah Miller, Kylie Heckman, Dayna Myrehn, Tarrah Borrowman and manager Misha Fajayan prior to next season.