Hillgals sharp in final PVL rehearsal

After acing the final test before Pioneer Valley League play, the Placer High volleyball team will have a long wait before beginning defense of its league title.The Hillgals swept Woodcreek 27-25, 25-12, 25-23 on Thursday at Earl Crabbe Gym. Sophomore Becky Matthews came up big with 12 kills while senior Gabby Orteza sparked the defense with 17 digs. Junior Kellyn McDonald was strong at the net with six kills and five blocks.Placer will open PVL play on Oct. 3 at Center before a highly anticipated match against Colfax at home on Oct. 5.The junior varsity and freshman Placer teams both swept Woodcreek.Nevada Union 3, Bear River 0 at Grass Valley — The Bruins had a tough time penetrating the Miners' defense in a 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 loss to their Nevada County rivals Thursday night.Sara Schell came up with nine kills and Kirsten Periera added eight to pace Bear River (9-3). Kaya Johnson dished out 25 assists and Katie Tomkeiwicz added six kills for the Bruins.Vista del Lago 3, Del Oro 1 at Loomis — The Golden Eagles fell to the defending Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV champions 25-21, 25-29, 22-25, 25-18.Senior Tatum Jungsten played well for the Golden Eagles, who ended non-league play with an 11-7 record. Jungsten had seven kills, served 14-for-16 and had two aces. Brianna Ruiz pounded nine kills and Morgan Lees served 16-for-17 to go with 17 assists.Megan Hentschke hustled for 24 digs and Stephanie Solich played well with nine kills.Del Oro's junior varsity lost to Vista Del Lago 21-25, 25-18, 15-12. The Del Oro frosh won 15-16, 25-19.