Coyotes clinch CMAC crown with sweep

Since the Madera Coyote girls volleyball team went five matches in a win over Bullard-Fresno on Sept. 28, they have been on a run through the County/Metro Athletic Conference.

The Coyotes have won 18 straight sets to clinch at least a share of the CMAC crown after a three-set victory over the San Joaquin Memorial-Fresno Panthers on Thursday in Joe Flores gym.

“I think people come in intimidated because of our record,” head coach Meghan Haas said. “We’re playing well enough to win. We still haven’t had that match where everyone has played their best. We have had someone step up every night. We are still ironing out some kinks.”

Lilly Ascencio and Hallie Page led the Coyotes with 10 kills each. Freshman Isabella Saucedo had eight kills while Katelyn Siegl had six.

The Coyotes put away the Panthers rather quickly, outscoring Memorial 75-40 in the three sets (25-10, 25-13, 25-17).

“It’s nice to be in the driver’s seat and not see how other matches play out,” Haas said. “We can focus on preparing for the playoffs, not saying that we aren’t worrying about the next two matches.” The Coyotes played Edison on Tuesday. Although the Coyotes swept the Tigers in the first round, Edison stayed with the Coyotes, losing the match by just nine points.

Madera closes its season Thursday in Joe Flores Gym for Senior Night against the Madera South Stallions.

“They want to be 10-0 in the CMAC, but it’s not the end all, be all,” Haas said. “That was their goal, but we’re also looking at the playoffs. Now you’re trying to figure out where teams will be. It’s good to be in that position.”