The Branson School girls volleyball team is set to defend its title against Marin Catholic in the North Coast Section (NCS) Open Division final after a decisive victory over Redwood High School on November 5, 2025. The Bulls triumphed in straight sets, winning 25-12, 25-17, and 25-21, showcasing their determination to remain the sole champions of the tournament in its second year.
Branson outside hitter Ella Tsai, who led the team with 14 kills, expressed the team’s motivation to retain the title. “For us, we really want to defend it,” Tsai stated. “It’s something that we feel belongs to us, and we don’t want to see another team take it away,” emphasizing the team’s commitment to their goal.
Branson, seeded No. 4 in the tournament, avenged a previous five-set defeat to the No. 1 seeded Redwood Giants, who ended the match with a record of 19-9. The Bulls (19-7) will now face No. 2 Marin Catholic (25-6) in a rematch of last year’s final, scheduled for 19:00 at Marin Catholic.
Branson’s Strong Performance in Semifinal
The semifinal match saw Branson jump to an early lead, establishing scores of 8-3 and 17-5 in the first set. The Bulls benefited from strong service runs by players like Abby King and Blake Cussen. Redwood, coming off a 12-day break without a competitive match after receiving a first-round bye, struggled to find its rhythm early on.
Branson libero Lucy Tusher noted the impact of the layoff on Redwood’s performance. “I definitely think it plays a big role,” she said, reflecting on how the absence of recent game time affected their opponents. Tusher contributed significantly to her team’s defense, finishing with 13 digs.
Branson’s attack was well-rounded, with four different players achieving at least nine kills. Middle blocker Ellie Corsello added 11 kills to the tally, while Cussen and King both recorded nine. Tusher credited the team’s strategy for their success in mixing up offensive plays, which kept Redwood’s blockers guessing.
Coach Michelle Brazil praised the efforts of her setters, Kate Bianchi and Lily Gross, for their role in facilitating a diverse offensive strategy. “The fact that Ellie got so many sets is indicative of us passing and playing defense so well,” Brazil emphasized, recognizing the teamwork that led to their victory.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
The second set began with Redwood taking a 4-1 lead, but Branson quickly regained control, ultimately leading 7-6 and never looking back. Although Redwood managed to tie the third set at 20-20, Branson closed out the match with a series of strong plays, culminating in a kill from Tsai and a block from King.
Saturday’s final against Marin Catholic marks the third meeting between the two teams this season. Branson previously defeated Marin Catholic in three sets on October 17, while Marin Catholic won their subsequent encounter in the MCAL semifinal on October 22.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated rematch, Branson’s determination and history in the tournament will be put to the test. The stakes are high, and the Bulls are ready to rise to the occasion, fueled by their desire to keep the title within their grasp.
