By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Section playoff run ends in volleyball semifinals
volley ESC 11-12
Escalon’s varsity volleyball team – with a few players called up from the JV team for the playoffs – fell in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 semifinals at Sonora, 3-1, on Nov. 4. They were winners in the opening round and the quarterfinals, which earned them a place in the CIF Division 5 NorCals state tournament. Marg Jackson/The Times

After taking wins on the home court in the opening round and the quarterfinals in volleyball, the Escalon Lady Cougars hit the road for a match at Sonora. Though they took the first set from the host Lady Wildcats, Sonora proved to be a little too much, winning the next three sets and forcing Escalon out of the Division 4 Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs in the semifinal round.

The game at Sonora was hosted on Nov. 4. After taking the first set by a 26-24 score, Escalon continued to fight but the host team was a few points better in each of the next three sets, Sonora winning by a 3-1 final. Escalon fell in sets two, three and four by scores of 11-25, 17-25, 19-25.

Avery Bartelink, Marissa Terry and Emma Strong each had nine kills on the night. Digs leaders were Aniston Hunt and Brynn Caton with 13 each, Emma Rangel and Strong added 11 apiece.

Sonora went on to play against Hughson in the Section title game, the Lady Huskies coming away with the blue banner and a 3-1 win in the All-Trans-Valley League section final on Saturday, Nov. 8.

However, with the two earlier wins in D4 playoff action, the varsity Lady Cougars were awarded the number 3 seed in the Division 5 CIF state championships. They hosted a first round NorCals game on Tuesday, Nov. 11 and defeated Wonderful College Prep Academy Wolves out of Delano, 3-0. The Wolves went 8-0 in their league and compiled a 28-8-2 record for the season prior to the match with Escalon.

With the NorCal win on Nov. 11, the number three seed Escalon is back on the home court Nov. 13; hosting number six seed Kelseyville in a 6 p.m. contest. Winner on Thursday moves to the North Regional semfinals on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Escalon goes into the contest with a 17-15 overall mark.