The College of San Mateo women's volleyball team took its first step towards a return trip to the 3C4A state finals, sweeping visiting Sacramento City College, 3-0, in Saturday's playoff opener.

Olivia Harrison, "celebrating" her state player of the week recognition (for the final week of the regular season), led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 kills in the 26-24, 25-18, 25-18 playoff victory. Madison Low had four service aces, propelling San Mateo to a 7-1 lead to begin the third set. The Panthers never came closer than five points after that. Emeli Muagututia had three aces. Aniyah Hall had nine kills. Alexa Rentar had 23 digs.

--That landed CSM (14-10) in a  6 p.m. region semifinal on Tuesday (Nov. 21) at No. 2 seed Fresno City College (24-4). San Mateo (14-10) is familiar with the Rams, having played them twice in September and winning sets both times before losing 3-1.

Should the Bulldogs win at Fresno, they would face a likely regional finale at Coast North champion West Valley College on Saturday for a spot in next week's state tournament at Mt. San Antonio College. CSM does hold a 3-2 win this season over over reigning state champion Feather River College, which defeated the Bulldogs in the 2022 state semifinals.

-- Fred Baer, CSM Athletics