Out of the 36 elite club volleyball teams that competed in the Northern California Volleyball Association (NCVA) Power League Finals in the 16s division, sophomores Molly Mitchell and Brianna Lee’s squad repeated as champions on May 12.

The 2 have been playing for the NorCal Volleyball Club for 6 years, in addition to their 2 Campolindo varsity seasons.

Traveling to Reno, Nevada to compete in the last league tournament of the NCVA, Mitchell “felt the pressure” to place 1st once again. “Last year we didn’t go into League Finals expecting 1st place, so with the new expectation this year our mindset felt different and more focused,” said Mitchell.

Their team was seeded 7th in the tournament. According to Mitchell and Lee, the games leading up the championship were the most difficult, as there was “less room for error.” Lee explained the competition is very cutthroat as everyone is evenly matched in terms of skill.

“The [pre-championship] games were way more fun and exciting. Some were really close and the rallies lasted really long,” said Lee.

However, once their Norcal team finally advanced to fight for 1st place against City Beach Volleyball Club, Mitchell said the game was “less stressful,” as they had won league in the year prior and had a big lead in the 1st set.

Redrock Volleyball Club sophomore Natalie Brouhard said, “They are great, technical teammates and work really well together so it’s no surprise they got 1st.”

With the win Mitchell and Lee’s team earned a bid to nationals in Indianapolis this June.

Mitchell said, “I am pretty hyped that I have another medal to put on my wall and hope to carry this on into high school volleyball.”