In the first match of the Division 2 CIF playoffs, West Ranch’s girl’s volleyball team swept the hosting Roosevelt Mustangs 3-0.

Although the Wildcats walked away with a sweep, it was not an easy win as the Mustangs managed to keep it close, finishing the sets 25-21, 25-21, 27-25.

West Ranch Head Coach Jamey Ker said in a phone interview with KHTS that if they were to play Roosevelt 10 times, they would probably only win half the time due to how evenly matched the two squads are.

“The fact that we played as well as we did in an important game against a good team for three straight sets is amazing,” said Ker. “It felt like the game could have tipped the other way at any point. We did a really nice job of staying steady, especially in that third set when there was a little bit of a dip for us.”

In a tough-fought win, Ker believed that it was the best the team had played all season long. Among a number of factors contributing to the team’s success, he believes their chemistry is the driving factor.

“I used to tell people [chemistry] was one of the more important things, but after doing this, this year at West Ranch, it’s become evident that it is the most important thing,” said Ker.

He went on to say that he has coached teams with tremendous talent before, but they were unable to realize their full potential due to a lack of camaraderie and chemistry. On the flip side, teams have achieved more than expected simply because they worked so well together. 

“I probably tell the girls before every game that at the end of the day, our greatest weapon is each other,” said Ker.

In Wednesday’s match, one of West Ranch’s greatest weapons was setter Dani Clewis, who finished with three kills, three blocks, a trio of aces, and 10 digs and broke the school record for all-time assists with 23 in the game.

“When you have somebody as steady of a player as Dani, it really makes a difference,” said Ker. “Especially when they have the leadership skills that she has. She’s just a fiery player who has a lot of fun while she plays.”

Freshman Devyn Kobe tallied 18 kills in her playoff debut, following a stellar season in which she broke the school’s single-game kill record with 41.

Kerr thinks Kobe had her finest game of the season, even better than her 41-kill game.

“She was just more well-rounded. She had 18 kills but made very few errors, passed the ball incredibly well and blocked well,” said Ker. “She really came to life here in the playoffs, which is what we need.”

Looking into Saturday for the second round of the playoffs, Ker believes the team is in a good head space and are excited as they look to extend their season.

West Ranch is set to play Murrieta Valley on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.

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