Spartan libero Ashlynn Tagala is a steadying presence in the back row and help lead East Nicolaus to a championship at the CIVT on Sept. 20.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – It’s been a strong start to the season for the East Nicolaus volleyball team as not only did it push its overall record to 25-2, but came away as the champions at the Carmichael Small School Invitational which was held last Saturday.

New co-coaches Keith and Jennifer Turner have the Spartans playing well as they dropped just a single set in their march to the CIVT championship.

East Nicolaus breezed through pool play defeating Western Sierra Collegiate Academy 25-17, 25-18, Amador 25-20, 25-19 and Destiny Christian Academy 25-14, 25-15.

Kendall Kocher powered East Nicolaus to the CIVT championship on Sept. 20 with 10 kills in the final match.

Entering bracket play, the Spartans faced their toughest test against Union Mine where they emerged with the 25-18, 17-25, 15-13 victory before moving on to crush John Adams 25-9, 25-9 and dispense of WSCA  25-19, 25-11 to claim the championship.

In the final match, Kendal Kocher finished with a team-high 10 kills, Shelby Scoggins handed out 14 assists and Ashlynn Tagala made 12 digs.

This week East Nicolaus returned to Sacramento Valley League play having hosted Colusa on Tuesday and traveling to Arbuckle to face Pierce on Thursday.