REEDLEY – The Reedley High Pirates stood ready to open the 2025 Central Section D III Playoffs against Bakersfield’s Independence High School following the lead of a trio of playmakers who have been at the center of their success.
As they have done so many times this season, seniors Aryssa Baca, Jamilah Taylor and sophomore Kaylie Thiessen elevated their play. The trio led the #6 seed Pirates’ armada, attacking swiftly and convincingly as they dispatched the #11 seed Falcons 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-14) in the opening round of playoff volleyball on Oct. 28 at the Reedley High Gym.
Opposite hitters Baca and Taylor, and setter Thiesen, are just a small part of a talented and veteran group of Pirates players who helped propel the Pirates (24-12 / 3-5) back to the postseason, and the first for first-year head coach Maddy Gates. And as the Falcons discovered, this group of dynamic players came out in full force.
“We know that if the ball is in their hands, they’re going to take care of business,” said Gates. “Their team relies on them for that consistency, and as a coach, I can take a deep breath and know that they’re going to handle business.”
Even when Independence jumped out to early leads in the second and third sets, Reedley stayed the course. Rallying behind their terrific trio, the Pirates found ways to prevent the Falcons from swooping in by surprise.
“We knew that in the rotations, where their best hitters and their best setter were in the back row, were the rotations that we needed to capitalize and go on runs,” said Gates. “And we did a good job on doing that.”
Playing against an evenly matched Falcons team, Taylor served as a great equalizer, dishing out powerful kills that reverberated through the rafters. Taylor, who ranked second on the team with 257 kills, dropped most of her shots near the corner of the net and in the middle of the Falcons’ court.
“She’s one of those kids who gives you momentum plays, and volleyball is such a momentum sport, where I know I can count on her to make that big play, and then momentum is back on my side and my team can run with her,” said Gates.
Baca’s steady play and leadership helped keep the Pirates in front of Independence. Thiesen, who ranked third on the team with 47 serving aces, dropped a few dandy serves to frustrate the Falcons, especially in the middle of the first set.
“Both of those players are just so consistent and steady, and that’s important to have that balance,” said Gates. “Aryssa and Kaylie are my steady, my calm, my constant.”
As for Gates, she can now exhale after getting that first playoff win under her belt.
“I just feel very blessed. I love this group of girls, and it’s such a blessing to say that we get to go to practice tomorrow,” said Gates.
Reedley will now head up to the Central Coast to play #3 seed Atascadero in the D III Quarterfinals on Oct. 30.
