In a matchup of two of the top teams in the section, Marin Academy defeated host Cardinal Newman in four hard-fought sets Wednesday night.

The Wildcats won 25-21, 22-25, 25-22, 25-17 to improve to 13-2. Cardinal Newman dropped to 7-2.

Junior outside hitter Emma Donnelly led the Cardinals with 13 kills and three aces. Junior right-side hitter Gracie Acosta added 10 kills, while freshman Kensi Grover finished with nine kills, 11 digs and three aces.

Both teams played strong defense, forcing hitters to earn nearly every point. After Marin Academy took the opening set, Cardinal Newman responded by winning the second to even the match.

The pivotal moment came in the third set. With both teams playing for the second consecutive night, Marin Academy pulled out a 25-22 win before carrying that momentum into the fourth.

"We knew that was the biggest set," Cardinal Newman head coach Daryl Kapis said. "Both teams were coming off playing last night, and whoever won that third set would have a huge advantage going into the fourth."

Senior middle hitter Jordyn Gumm delivered her best performance of the season, recording six kills.

"Jordyn was instrumental for us tonight, and I was very happy that we are starting to get her more involved in our offensive game plan," Kapis said. "She worked very hard in the offseason, and it's exciting to see it all pay off. We will really need her moving forward into league play."

Cardinal Newman recorded eight aces with only two service errors and finished with seven team blocks. Eva Werle led the effort at the net with three blocks.

Setter Addison Smith distributed 37 assists, while libero Sabina Walsh anchored the defense with 15 digs.

The Cardinals will now turn their attention toward pursuing their first league championship since 2021. Cardinal Newman opens league play at home Tuesday against Montgomery before traveling to face Ukiah on Thursday.