Summary of fall sports at Maria Carrillo High School (Daisy Riley / The Puma Prensa)
By Daisy Riley, Staff Writer
As the leaves turn and the cool air settles, another unforgettable Maria Carrillo High School fall sports season closes. Over the past several months, our student athletes have poured countless hours into practice and have pushed their physical limits. From courts and green courses, to the trails and turf, this season showcased extraordinary growth, perseverance, and school pride.
With high flying attacks, unyielding back row defense, and unmatched court energy, Maria Carrillo’s volleyball team delivered an unforgettable season. Led by sharp hitting and disciplined net play, the squad consistently kept fans passionate, setting a high standard for team chemistry.
Women’s tennis demonstrated remarkable focus, poise, and mental strength in high pressure matches. Their strategic ball placement, concentration, and mutual support made for an outstanding and memorable season.
Out on the green, our golf team tackled challenging courses with quiet discipline and strategic play. This quiet composure required for golf often goes unnoticed, and the athletes’ steady improvement and focus brought home essential low scores.
Meanwhile, cross country runners embodied unbreakable endurance, pushing through rigorous meets and grueling distance courses. All the runners proved that cross country is a mental test as much as a physical one, and every athlete who crossed the finish line embodied the grit that defines our athletic program, consistently breaking personal records.
The turf saw incredible speeds and strategy this fall, as flag football brought tight coverage and creative playmaking to every game. Their shining team dynamics and communication on the field created an electric atmosphere that marked an exciting growth in popularity for the sport.
As usual, Friday nights belonged to the football team. Supported by a roaring student section under the bright stadium lights, Maria Carrillo’s team battled through tough quarters, executed flawless plays, and demonstrated unwavering teamwork.
Maria Carrillo’s athletic director Jerry Deakins reflects on a period marked by tremendous passion, growth, and perseverance across all athletics. Puma athletes have consistently competed at a high level, doing what they love, highlighted by league championship performances from both the cross country teams and the women's tennis team under the new leadership of coach Bob Cederos. Deakins extends deep gratitude to all coaches and volunteers who sacrifice their personal time to mentor the young athletes. Helping them navigate the ongoing challenges of the rebuilding rosters, maintaining proud traditions, and balancing academics with athletic competition.
Behind the team successes were remarkable individual performances that set the tone all season long:
Volleyball:
Most Kills Per Set: Savannah Houts (SR)
2.2 K/S
Highest Hitting Percentage: Josie Smith (SR)
0.298 PCT
Total Blocks: Reese Moody (SO)
33 TB
Digs Per Set: Harper Rush (SO)
2.7 D/S
Serving Aces: Sonya Bagala (SR)
31 A
Aces Per Set: Josie Smith (SR)
0.5 A/S
Flag Football:
Receiving Yards Per Game: Alani Lorange (SO).
63.0 Y/G
Rushing Yards Per Game: Sophia Calderon (SO)
3.0 Y/G
Interceptions: Sereyana (Sherry) Apuka Makulau (SR)
5 INT
Football:
Receiving Yards Per Game: Andrew Godfrey (SR)
29.0 Y/G
Rushing Yards Per Game: Andrew Godfrey (SR)
113.7 Y/G
Total TD’s: Andrew Godfrey (SR)
10 TOT
Tackles Per Game: Joshua Bade (SR)
0.5 TCKL/G
Sacks: Tysen Norlund (SR)
1.0 SAK
Interceptions: Jai Sihota (SR)
1 INT
While the statistics and scores tell part of the story, the true foundation of the fall season was the community created. Behind every athlete stands a devoted army of coaches, teammates, parents, and trainers who made these accomplishments possible.
As Maria Carrillo’s fall athletes hand off the spotlight to the winter sports teams, they leave behind a standard of sportsmanship and dedication to be proud of. The Puma Prensa is honored to congratulate all of our fall athletes, coaches, and supporters on a fantastic season!