Claremont High School girls volleyball is off to a great start under the leadership of new coach Jodi Postlmayr. The team has a 7-3 record in non-conference play including a 3-0 victory over Marantha last Thursday.

CHS has a big team with 15 players including five seniors and three freshmen. “It’s a good mix of returners with new players” said coach Postlmayr. “With the league opener set for Thursday we will get into serious competition and we will see how the hard work pays off,” she said.

Stand out players so far this semester include freshman Emilee Rohrer at outside hitter and senior Natalie Barragan at center.

Ms. Postlmayr has an impressive resume both athletically and academically. She was an All American volleyball and All Conference softball player at University of La Verne where she earned both bachelor and master’s degrees. Since graduation she has coached volleyball at the California Institute of Technology and at the club level for Club West.

Claremont water polo, ranked number one in division five, beat San Marcos High School, ranked number four in division two, on Saturday in a non-conference matchup at CHS. Top performances came from Thomas Randles who had three goals, one steal, and two assists; Bruno Snow had three goals, one steal, and two assists; Johnathon Wong had two goals and three assists; Mat Turk had one goal, two steals, and one assist; Dylan Clinton had one goal and one assist; Ian Waasdorp- one goal; Dylan Landi had one goal. Goalie Steven Cagle shined as well with ten saves, two steals and one assist.

The Pack followed up with a decisive win, 8-5, over rival Damien on Tuesday at Citrus College. Goalie Cagle had a fantastic game with 15 saves, one steal, and two assists. Randles again led the offensive team with three goals, one steal, and 1 assist; Wong had two goals, two steals, and 2 assists; Snow had two goals, one steal, and two assists. Adam Ward had one goal is his first game back since his hand injury.

“The parents and athletes have been playing like winners throughout each game. The best part about this group is that they just want to play. If we are losing they will take advice from coaches and other players and give it their all regardless of the score,” said coach Kristin Rodriguez.  The team has had a tougher schedule this semester and the record is not as it was in prior years. However, Ms. Rodriguez continues, “They all understand that playing against good teams will make us better.”

Girls tennis had a good day Tuesday winning their match against Glendora 10-8. Senior Megan Huang won all three of her singles games and twins Evelyn and Lelia Kennedy also won all three games in doubles play. Claremont led after the first round by 5-1, which was a great advantage, according to coach Clint Rees. The team is now 1-2 in league play. This is Mr. Rees’ first year coaching the girls team, but he has been the boys coach for three years.

Girls golf beat St. Lucy’s High School, 233-287, at Marshall Canyon Golf Course on Tuesday. Sophomore Nicole Curti was the medalist and shot a 40, Sophomore Allison Gallegos shot a 42, and Sophomore Celine Mason shot a 45. St. Lucy’s Miranda Safar shot a 53 and was their low scorer. The Pack’s record is now 4-4 in the Palomares League.

This week cross country was at the Top Speed Running Super XC Classic held on Saturday at Bonelli Regional Park. Coach Rob Lander said that he rested the top eight boys and top seven girls, but varsity girls still won the meet and varsity boys placed second. Next up are the SGV One on One Challenge on Saturday and the second league meet on Tuesday, October 7.

“I think this year will be great. I have always had a great group of student athletes while at CHS. The parents are so supportive and have taken charge of getting a family feel as soon as you hit the pool deck.” said coach Kristin Rodriguez. “The players have been working very hard. I have arranged a very difficult schedule this season so our record is not like years prior.”
—Steven Felschundneff
steven@claremont-courier.com