Methodical Monarchs dismantle Panthers

Like a military regiment of well-trained soldiers, Exeter’s volleyball team marched onto its home court Tuesday night against Porterville.
After 45 minutes of mostly perfect execution and strategic formations, the top-seeded Monarchs congratulated the No. 4 Panthers and marched off the court — in single file — as 3-0 winners of the Division III semifinal match.
“They looked exceptional tonight,” Exeter coach Alanna Montgomery said of her squad, which rolled to its 19th straight victory and next faces the winner of No. 2 Ridgeview and No. 3 Tehachapi on Thursday night.
What they looked like was a well-oiled machine punching the clock for just another day at the office.
“You can’t take one thing away from Exeter,” Porterville coach Kayla Trueblood said. “They were able to set, they were able to dig, they’re an all-around great team.”
What the Monarchs couldn’t do, however, was distinguish themselves from one another as everyone did her part from the top of the roster to the bottom.
Taylor Fahrni, Kendra Amann, Evan Dillon, Jessica Runyon and Jazmin Chisolm each registered at least four kills. Kathryn Hutcheson and Sharon Grim each had at least 15 assists. Runyon and Sabina Lopez combined for 20 digs.
If the Panthers managed to stifle one of the Monarchs, another one seamlessly stepped in, such as the five-ace performance by the running jump-serves from Hutcheson. If the Panthers pulled off a kill attempt, Runyon or Brooke Oliva were there for the block.
“They were a well-balanced team,” Porterville’s Paige Vanasen said. “It’s Exeter.”
Vanasen managed four kills past the wall of Exeter’s towering front row. Alex Shew led the Panthers with five and Katie Mueller added three more kills, but the Monarchs had too much firepower that resulted in a 25-12, 25-7 and 25-11 sweep.
“I don’t think our girls did a ton of things wrong,” Trueblood said, "We made a few little mistakes, but we played a great team. There’s a reason they’re the No. 1 team.”
The Monarchs’ reputation apparently preceded the match, as Porterville played tentatively in the first game to feel out the opposition.
“We came out scared, kinda nervous,” Vanasen said. “I think it was a really fast-paced game and we weren’t used to that pace.”
Exeter pumped the opening-game lead to 20-7 before Porterville reeled off three straight points.Though the Panthers hung with Exeter a few moments at a time, the Monarchs dominated within the intimidating, closed-in atmosphere of the gym.
“I just feel, right now, they’re at their peak,” Montgomery said of her girls.
Exeter libero Sabina Lopez was a prime example.
“She’s gotta be the best libero in the Valley,” said Porterville College coach Dale Henderson, who watched the game from the stands.
“That’s definitely one of the best liberos I’ve ever seen,” Trueblood said. “But I can’t say enough about (Panthers libero) Noelle Garcia. Some of those digs... I thought they were done.”
 Trueblood stressed the fact that there’s no shame in losing to a team at the top of its game.
“I’m proud of them,” Trueblood said. “We lost to the No. 1 seed in the semifinals. That’s not something to cry about.”