Pitman High’s volleyball team likes to think of itself as the hunter and not the hunted.

“That’s the way we try to go into every game,” said senior outside hitter Maryn Hall. “It’s just a mindset so that we’re not intimidated by anybody.”

The fifth-seeded Pride stalked their prey for four games before going for the jugular in the fifth and earning a 25-21, 22-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-9 victory over No. 12 Franklin (Stockton) in the opening round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 playoffs on Tuesday.

With the victory, Pitman (27-9) advances to play on Thursday in Stockton against No. 4 St. Mary’s. The No. 4 Rams advanced with a 25-12, 25-11, 25-17 win over No. 3 McClatchy (Sacramento).

The Pride and St. Mary’s have already met once this season, with the Rams earning a 20-25, 25-16,  19-25, 25-23, 15-13 victory in Fat City on Sept. 9.

“I’ve been telling the girls all season that this is a year when anyone can beat anybody,” said PHS head coach Ari Amini. “There is no dominant force in our league or in our section. Anyone can beat anybody.”

For a moment on Tuesday, it appeared that Amini was right, and that an upset was brewing on Christoffersen Parkway.

The Wildcats’ middle tandem of Destiny Berry and Bailey King gave the Pride trouble all night. But senior libero Aila Reich eventually got dialed into their rhythm and limited their effectiveness late.

“In our league, we have a lot of strong outsides, so I’m used to adjusting on the outside,” said Reich. “But we don’t have a lot of strong middles, so it took me a little longer to read where I needed to be. And once I got that read, it started flowing.”

Hall, a four-year member of the varsity, took over in the fifth set with four kills and two service points to help the Pride race to a commanding 12-5 lead.

“I’m a very competitive person so I don’t mind taking on a heavier load when it’s needed,” said Hall. “But I’m really proud of the team because when we were faced with the challenge, everybody stepped up and played a part.”