Thunder volleyball rumbles into playoffs as No. 2

The Rocklin High School varsity girls volleyball team had no problem knocking off No. 15 Buhach Colony High in the Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs, Tuesday.The Thunder of Rocklin silenced the visiting Thunder, 25-14, 25-14, 15-8, to sweep the three-set match.Rocklin's Katelyn Ivy (18), Cailyn Prewitt (13), Erin Davis (14), and Sara Sheehy (13) were relentless in their attacks, and each had three blocks apiece. Not one player on the silver-and-blue roster had less than two blocks in the contest.Kelsey Garvella had 25 assists in the match, and Kallie Elder posted 11. Garvella also had seven aces, Sierra Ueltzen four, and Ivy two.Nov. 1 – Before the playoffs, Rocklin wrapped up regular season play by defeating Nevada Union, 3-1, on the Miners' court.No. 7 Vacaville is scheduled to invade Thunder alley, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, in the second round of the playoffs. The Bulldogs were second to Napa in the Monticello Empire League with a 13-2 league record, and 21-7 overall.Football Nov. 4 – The Rocklin High School varsity football team's 2011 campaign ended in defeat as the Thunder lost to Nevada Union High School at home, 30-27 in overtime. Rocklin (0-5 Sierra Foothill, 3-7 overall) finished sixth in the SFL. The Thunder went 3-3 at home this season. Junior quarterback Daniel Kniffin finished the season by completing 22 of 40 passes, for 302 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. This should be a good leaping point for Kniffin who should be returning in 2012. Kniffin went 77 of 157, 1,255 yards, with 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions over the last seven games of the season. In his last game with the Thunder senior running back Marvin Gardner carried the ball nine times for 62 yards and scored a touchdown. Rocklin senior wide receiver Matt Laughrea had a huge game. Laughrea caught six passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Rocklin is looking forward to the 2012 season. Soccer Oct. 26 – After a 2-1 loss at Nevada Union, the Rocklin High School varsity soccer team finished its 2011 season 1-7-2 in the Sierra Foothill League (sixth) and 5-12-4 overall. Senior striker Stephen Hakala led the team in goals (four) and points (nine). Junior midfielder Joey Tappero led the team in assists (three) and should be returning in 2012. Senior Zach Kammerer recorded five shutouts and only allowed 10 goals this season. Rocklin should have 12 players returning next season, making for a good nucleus of talent in the years to come.