Branson Girls Volleyball Secures Spot in Title Rematch Against Marin Catholic

The Branson School girls volleyball team triumphed in the North Coast Section Open Division semifinal on November 5, 2025, defeating Redwood High School in a decisive three-set victory. The scores were 25-12, 25-17, and 25-21, allowing Branson to advance to the finals where they will face Marin Catholic, the same team they bested in last year’s championship match.

Branson, the defending champion, demonstrated their determination to retain the title with a commanding performance. Outside hitter Ella Tsai emphasized the team’s commitment, stating, “For us, we really want to defend it. It’s something that we feel like belongs to us.” The Bulls, seeded fourth with a record of 19-7, showcased their skills by avenging a previous five-set loss to the top-seeded Redwood.

Early in the first set, Branson took control with leads of 8-3 and 17-5, propelled by strong service runs from players like Abby King and Blake Cussen. The Giants, who had entered the match after a long break, struggled to find their rhythm, prompting questions about the impact of their inactivity. Lucy Tusher, Branson’s libero, noted, “Not being on the court is a big thing,” highlighting the challenges faced by Redwood, who had not played competitively in 12 days.

Branson’s offense was diverse, with four different players recording at least nine kills. Tsai led with 14 kills, while middle blocker Ellie Corsello contributed 11. Coach Michelle Brazil praised her team’s ability to mix up the offense, ensuring that blockers could not focus solely on key players.

In the second set, Redwood initially took a 4-1 lead, but Branson quickly regained control. They maintained a narrow lead, ultimately finishing strong with late kills from Tsai, Corsello, and Cussen. The Giants, having fallen behind two sets, were more competitive in the third set. They tied the score at 14-14 after a service run from Maddy Wagner, but Branson’s resilience shone through as they won the final points to secure their place in the championship.

The upcoming final against Marin Catholic will mark the third meeting between the two schools this season. Branson previously defeated Marin Catholic in three sets during the regular season, but Marin Catholic claimed victory in the MCAL semifinal. The final is scheduled for 19:00 on Saturday at Marin Catholic and promises to be an exciting rematch.

Branson’s success in the semifinal is a testament to their preparation and determination. As they gear up to defend their title, the team is focused and ready to face the challenges ahead.