Epic setters battle goes Fresno's way in 5-set, extra-point quarterfinals thriller

N1 Fresno City (29-4) d. S4 Cerritos (20-4), 19-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20, 19-17

WALNUT -- Two of the best players in the state--Fresno setter Savanna FauntLeroy and Cerritos setter-opposite Sydney May--willed their teams to play one of the greatest state tournament matches in the 47-year history of the event as the Rams rallied from 1-0, and 2-1 set deficits to edge the Falcons in five sets in the opening quarterfinal of the 3C2A State Championship.

The deciding fifth had twists and turns as FCC led 8-5 and held match point at 14-12. Cerritos roared back on back-to-back blocks by May and teammate Jaqueline Torres to put the Falcons within a point of winning at 15-14. Cerritos then led 17-16 after an attack error, but FauntLeroy dished out three consecutive assists for two kills by Jayla Iversen and one by Karina Rodriguez, whose sideline attack snuck in for match point.

An AVCA All-American, FauntLeroy put on a clinic with 12 kills (hit .400), 52 assists, and 14 digs for a triple-double (plus four blocks) while May, also an All-American, was equally productive, totaling 20 kills (in 72 swings), 25 set assists, nine digs and eight blocks. 

"Our assistant coach said it was the best match he's seen at the state level and he's been with me since 2016. In the end, the one thing that we did well all match was our passing," said Fresno head coach Kieran Roblee. "We saw Savanna as an option (on her hitting) especially in the final few sets. May plays such great perimeter defense, and she is a such a great talent for Cerritos. She has so many tools in that toolbet and used them all."

"We knew it was going to be the most balanced match we were going to play all season," said Cerritos head coach Kari Hemmerling. "We both have multiple players to set to and I told my team it would come down to two points in the fifth set. If course there are some plays you want back, but I'm so very proud of the team and their effort. It really came down to who won the serve and pass."

Ranked #1 in the final regular season State Top 25, Fresno extends its win streak to 22 matches. The Falcons first trip to the state tourney in 30 years was an impressive one as they end with a 20-4 overall record.

For the first time in state history, all six starters on one team reached double figures in kills as Fresno's roll call was Rodriguez with 15 kills, Ashlan VanGronigen with 14 kills (51 attempts), and 11 scored by Iversen (and six blocks), Phoebe Constable (and 18 digs), and Reese Cuttone. FauntLeroy's 12 capped the rare feat. Malia Edwardson added 28 digs and three aces.

For Cerritos, Jasmine Soto-Castro floored 14 kills and made 22 digs, Leeya Rubio had a strong double-double on 25 assists and 22 digs, Monserrat Rodriguez was a net force on 10 kills, 16 digs as was Torres with seven blocks and three kills. Lilliana Peterson contributed seven kills and Priscilla Castillo 14 digs. 

Fresno advances to play the winner of the South #2 San Diego Mesa v. North #3 Sierra quarterfinal in Saturday's semifinals.

Release by Robert Lewis, CCCWVCA/3C2A State Tournament SID