Top performances in soccer, volleyball, cross country and more in Napa and Sonoma counties

It was another great week for area fall sportspeople.

Volleyball players were in the spotlight as North Bay League play got underway, an Analy golfer took home medalist honors in both matches last week, cross country runners continue to post times were getting faster and football players were once again racking up mind-blowing numbers.

Here are the secondary athletes of the week of September 23 to 28.

Allie Iversen, Ukiah volleyball

The Wildcats’ senior outside hitter led her team to two big wins in the NBL-Oak last week against Santa Rosa (3-0) and Cardinal Newman (3-2). Iversen recorded a double-double of 16 kills and 10 digs in their five-set thriller against the Cardinals and had a 13 kills and six digs performance against the Panthers.

Cormac Gaylord, cross country analysis

The Tigers’ senior team set a new course record by finishing first in a tri-meet with Santa Rosa and Windsor last week. He completed the 2.65-mile course at Ragle Ranch Park in 13 minutes, 44.1 seconds, breaking the old course record by 15 seconds, according to records compiled by redwoodempirerunning.com.

Brielle Galli, Windsor volleyball

The Jaguars’ senior setter is back on this list after a stellar week in which her team went 6-1 with two league wins and a third-place finish at the Sonoma Valley weekend tournament. She had 59 assists in Windsor’s sweeps of Maria Carrillo and Montgomery, then earned all-tournament honors Saturday with 82 assists, nine kills and 15 aces in five matches.

Gio Martinez, Rancho Cotate soccer

The Cougars’ senior guard showcased his electric playmaking ability in a 42-28 win over Montgomery last week. He totaled 173 rushing yards with two touchdowns on 13 carries and added two receiving touchdowns and 73 yards on three catches. He currently leads the team with 725 all-purpose yards and eight total touchdowns.

Payton Bunch, analyzes the golf girls

Bunch earned medalist honors twice last week as the Tigers posted a pair of NBL victories over Santa Rosa and Rancho Cotate. Bunch shot a par 39 from three at Santa Rosa Country Club, then shot a par 38 from three at Foxtail South.

Josephina McKee, Avery Johnson, Rancho Cotate, volleyball

McKee and Johnson helped the Cougars get off to a 2-0 start in the NBL-Redwood game last week. McKee had two double-doubles of 12 assists and 11 digs in a 3-1 win over Healdsburg and 22 assists and 19 digs in a 3-1 win over Piner. Johnson, meanwhile, recorded an impressive triple double of 11 kills, 21 assists and 13 digs against Piner.

Eugene Vulisuva, Elsie Allen football

The Lobos won their third game of the year last week in a 70-28 loss to Laytonville led by a massive day from Vulisuva, who had six touchdowns and more than 250 yards rushing.

Avery Codington, Casa Grande cross country

The Gauchos senior star had two big efforts last week. She finished first in the Vine Valley Athletic League’s first meet of the year, winning the race by more than 31 seconds before recording the fourth-fastest time out of 100 finalists at the Eye Opener Invitational hosted by Petaluma.

Brody Hansel and Cardinal Newman men’s water polo

The Cardinals only played one game last week, but Hansel was outstanding in the 18-9 win over Petaluma. He finished with 10 goals, seven assists, five interceptions and five dismissals as Newman improved to 2-0 in VVAL play.

Owen Grafe, Montgomery football player

Despite the loss to the Cougars, the Vikings’ second-year receiver put up monster numbers in a stellar performance, finishing with 208 receiving yards and two touchdowns on six catches.

Yesou can reach Staff Writer Gus Morris at 707-304-9372 or [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @JustGusPD.