Hosting the first home match in school history, the Sierra College beach volleyball team made quick work of both Foothill and Cabrillo on March 9th in Rocklin.
Currently 8th in CCCAA state rankings, the Wolverines (2-1 on the season) lost just one game, beating Foothill 5-0 and Cabrillo 4-1.
"Between the excitement of the home opener, posting two wins and the state rankings, it was a big week for us," said Sierra head coach Alanna Whitnack. "And we hope to keep that momentum moving forward."
Opening with two wins in the first round against Foothill, at the 4s pair, Bella Orteza and Kapri Pelle won in tight straight sets, 21-18, 22-20 and at the 5s Brittany Boerstra and Grace Lemmo won 21-6, 21-11. The dual was won with the tandem of Maddy Rowland and Kylie Shinn at the 3s with a 21-18, 21-14 victory. Rounding out the sweep, freshmen Sara Schell and Savannah Schroeder posted a 21-15, 21-17 win in the No. 1s while Meghan Merlino and Kalala Strickland won 21-10, 21-14 at the 2s.
Later in the day, Sierra posted its first win in three years over then ranked 7th ranked Cabrillo, 4-1.
In a three-set thriller during the first round of the dual, Lemmo and Pelle posted a 21-18, 14-21, 15-7 in the 4's position and at the 5s, Orteza and Boerstra won 21-14, 21-12. At the 3s, Rowland and Shinn posted 21-18, 21-16 victories to secure the dual win. In the final round of the day, Schell and Schroeder fell 21-19, 21-16 in the No. 1s and Merlino and Strickland won a battle at the 2s, 21-17, 18-21, 15-9.
The Wolverines travel to West Valley on Wednesday, March 21 for matches against San Mateo and West Valley
Story by Scott Johnston, photo by Dave Lawicka