Cardinal Newman opened girls volleyball league play with the kind of effort head coach Daryl Kapis wants to see throughout the season: pressure from the service line, steady passing and a defense willing to chase down every ball.

Junior setter Addison Smith helped drive the Cardinals' offense with 29 assists while delivering seven aces. Junior outside hitter Emma Donnelly added five aces and six kills, giving Newman another effective option both at the net and behind the service line.

"The offense did well tonight, but our serving and passing game were on point," Kapis said. He singled out junior passers Adeline Brockett and Sabina Walsh for their work in keeping plays alive and giving the offense opportunities to attack.

Walsh finished with 13 digs. Freshman Kensi Grover contributed seven kills and 12 digs, while sophomore Sofiyah Martinez added five kills. For Kapis, the contributions throughout the lineup were as encouraging as any individual stat line.

"So happy to have a match where everyone contributed," he said. "It's moments like this that bring everyone together."

Kapis was particularly pleased with Newman's play during long rallies. With players diving and scrambling to keep the ball off the floor, the Cardinals repeatedly found ways to stay in points and finish them.

"Our team passing and defense were just stellar, and most long rallies, which had bodies all over the floor, ended with us winning most of them," Kapis said.

Newman has little time to rest after its league opener. The Cardinals travel to Ukiah High School tomorrow for a 6:30 p.m. match, and Kapis expects a demanding test on the road.

"Ukiah is always very tough, especially at home, and I don't see it being any different tomorrow," he said.