The Highlanders began their 2023 season with a tournament at host Albany High School for the Cougar Challenge on August 26.
Twelve teams participated in the one-day tournament.
Piedmont opened up pool play with a decisive win against Salesian in straight sets, 25-14 and 25-12. Piedmont’s accurate passing and consistent setting by Bauer Peterson enabled a strong attack led by Sadie Town. The Highlanders also showed good defense at the net with great blocking from Juliana DeYoung, Elena Stevens and Maddy Mullins. Piedmont’ floor defense also shined with multiple digs by Izzy Grimmer and Kalindi Kim.
Piedmont lost its second game in a close match against host Albany, 20-25 and 21-25.
The next round saw the Highlanders win their cross-over match against Alameda High School. Piedmont won a thrilling three-setter, 25-12, 15-25, 15-12. The victory put them the Gold Bracket.
Piedmont then lost a very close three-set match to Mission San Jose High School 15-25, 27-25, 15-17.
With just a week and a half of practicing together as a team, the two wins were an encouraging start.
Photos by David Kim