SACRAMENTO, CA — November 13, 2025
Cardinal Newman volleyball delivered one of its most inspiring performances of the season on Thursday night, taking powerhouse St. Francis–Sacramento to an unforgettable five-set classic in the CIF NorCal Division II Regional second round. The Cardinals erased a two-set deficit, earned match point at 14–13, and came within a single swing of advancing before falling in a heartbreaking 22–25, 16–25, 25–21, 25–23, 14–16 finish.
Match Recap
After dropping the first two sets, Newman launched a furious comeback sparked by elite defense and clutch senior hitting. The Cardinals claimed sets three and four behind long rallies, pressure serves, and emotional swings that silenced the St. Francis crowd.
The decisive fifth set was a dramatic back-and-forth duel. Newman trailed early, surged ahead late, and ultimately reached match point at 14–13, just one rally away from completing one of the biggest road comebacks of the tournament. St. Francis managed to win the final three points, but the Cardinals' resilience and heart defined the night.
Cardinal Leaders
• Senior outside hitter Cienna Alvarez — 27 kills, 14 digs, powering the comeback with one of the best postseason performances in program history.
• Senior middle hitter Summer Binder — 14 kills, steady and impactful at the net.
• Sophomore libero Sabina Walsh — 19 digs, commanding the backcourt with poise beyond her years.
• Senior defensive specialist Giana Tamayo — 24 digs, anchoring the back-row defense.
• Senior setter Kimberly Wilson — Directed the offense brilliantly through five intense sets, keeping Newman composed and in rhythm.
Senior Spotlight – Kimberly Wilson
"I have never experienced a more intense battle. Everyone fought their hearts out and left it all on the court with such visible passion. I couldn't have asked for a better last match to finish out my final high school season. Out of the many teams I've been on, this is definitely the most magical team and I'm so lucky to have been able to experience this. I want to thank all my coaches and teammates for the best season I could imagine."
Senior Spotlight – Cienna Alvarez
"This team and this season was incredible. Sadly we got cut short but we played amazing and with such pride. Thank you to all the coaching staff and players for making this an amazing season to remember forever."
From Head Coach Daryl Kapis
"Incredible match and an incredible finale to an amazing season. Super proud to have coached this team and especially the nine seniors who gave everything this season."
Season Reflection
The Cardinals' season ends with pride and admiration for a team that refused to quit. Their near-upset on the road—fighting from two sets down, earning match point, and pushing one of Northern California's best programs to the limit—cements this group's legacy as one of the toughest and most connected teams in Newman volleyball history.
