UPDATE: The Branson School girls volleyball team has secured a spot in the North Coast Section (NCS) Open Division final after a decisive victory over Redwood. The Bulls triumphed with a score of 25-12, 25-17, 25-21 in the semifinal match held at Redwood High School in Larkspur, California, on November 5, 2025.
This victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch against Marin Catholic at 7 p.m. on Saturday, where Branson aims to defend its title as the only team to have won the NCS Open Division tournament.
Branson, the No. 4 seed, displayed remarkable prowess, quickly establishing dominance with early leads of 8-3 and 17-5 in the first set. Key contributions came from players like Ella Tsai, who led the team with 14 kills, and Ellie Corsello, who added 11 kills.
“We really want to defend it; it’s something that belongs to us,” Tsai stated, highlighting the motivation driving the team as they prepare for the final showdown.
Branson’s head coach, Michelle Brazil, praised her team for their diverse offensive strategy. “The fact that Ellie got so many sets is indicative of us passing and playing defense so well,” Brazil said, emphasizing the crucial role of setters Kate Bianchi and Lily Gross in generating quality plays.
The Bulls managed to avenge a prior five-set loss to the No. 1 seeded Redwood, demonstrating their growth and determination. The Redwood Giants had entered the match on a long break, leading to questions of whether their lack of competitive play impacted their performance.
Despite a strong start to the third set, where the Giants briefly held a lead, a series of critical plays from Branson, including a block by King, sealed the match. The Bulls’ resilience was evident as they rallied back to win four consecutive points, clinching their spot in the championship.
As the countdown to Saturday’s final begins, fans are buzzing with excitement over the anticipated clash between Branson and Marin Catholic, a rematch of last year’s championship encounter. This will be the third meeting of the season between the two teams, with Branson previously winning the regular-season match.
With the stakes high and emotions running strong, the Branson girls volleyball team is primed to defend their title and prove their dominance in the NCS Open Division. Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying final!
