By Pete Borello

Prep Volleyball Summary

Entering this week alone in second place in the ultra-competitive SCVAL De Anza Division, the Los Altos High girls volleyball team has exceeded expectations.

Just ask the Eagles’ coach.

“I’m really surprised to be 8-2 in league,” Jason Mansfield said. “It’s just phenomenal.”

Los Altos (18-4 overall) is coming off a week in which it beat Monta Vista and Palo Alto.

“With the exception of our first (league) match against Monta Vista, the last two matches were probably the best we’ve played so far this year,” Mansfield said. “We played as a team - everyone’s helping out and everything’s clicking.”

Heather Smith and Juli Winterbotham each had 11 kills in Los Altos’ 12-15, 15-6, 15-4, 15-2 win over Monta Vista Oct. 23.

In Thursday’s match at Palo Alto, a 15-10, 15-9, 15-7 victory, Suedy Ezzatyar posted 12 kills.

Gunn going for No. 1

This is a telling week for Gunn (9-2, 18-10), which closes the regular season with three matches critical to the team’s hopes of winning the SCVAL El Camino Division.

“We play the top three in the league, other than us, so if we win out we take first for sure,” Gunn coach Evan Barth said. “If we don’t, it depends on who beats who and when. Hopefully, we can win out and make it easier for everybody and their math.”

Gunn Oct. 24 beat Fremont 15-10, 15-4, 8-15, 15-6. Kill leaders were Michelle Rybka (nine) and Liz Johnson (seven).

Spartans stymied

Mountain View’s hopes of winning the El Camino Division took a hit Oct. 22 in a match against Saratoga, which prevailed 15-11, 15-9, 14-16, 15-13.

Colleen Schumacher’s seven kills led the Spartans, who dropped to 7-4 in the division.

Lancers batter Bruins

De Anza Division-leading St. Francis cruised to a 15-2, 15-2, 15-4 win over visiting Santa Clara Thursday.

Lisa Altick and Taylor Whittell had 12 kills apiece for the Lancers (10-0, 21-2).

Panthers roar

Pinewood went to 3-11 in the PSAL with wins over Crystal Springs and ICA last week.