DHS rallies for CIF volleyball playoff victory

DESERT HOT SPRINGS — Mariela Ortega had 22 digs, 12 kills and four aces and Cierra Tarrant had 27 digs, six kills and three aces as Desert Hot Springs High School beat Riverside Notre Dame 3-2 in a CIF Division IV-A volleyball playoff game Thursday night.

The Golden Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals with a victory at home 25-23, 13-25, 25-22, 24-26, 15-12.

Brianna Moore had nine kills, four aces and two blocks. Chyann Saban finished with 25 digs, and Vanessa Burgos had 21 assists, 17 digs, three kills and two aces.

In the fifth game, the Golden Eagles trailed 11-5 before closing out the game on a 10-1 run to win the match.

Coach Heather Yarbrough was proud of her team's resiliency in coming from behind.

“Great defense and some amazing digs kept us in the game,” Yarbrough said. “The girls had some long rallies that kept us in the game and gave us a chance to keep it close enough to where we could win the match. We're going to be a challenge for anybody that we play in the next round.”

Desert Hot Springs (14-4) will host Nordhoff at 7 p.m., Saturday.

Girls' volleyball

Campbell hall 3, palm desert 0: The Aztecs' season came to an end after a 25-15, 25-16, 25-16 loss to Campbell Hall in the second round of the CIF Division III-AA playoffs.

Natalie Stevenson had six kills, two aces and eight serve receives. Bailey Burcham finished with 20 serve receives and five digs.

Tyler Davis also contributed with four kills and two blocks.

“They're an extremely talented team, and we were unable to sustain anything throughout the game,” Palm Desert head coach Scott McGihon.

The Aztecs have won a playoff game in each of the last four seasons, the only DVL team to accomplish the feat.

Despite the loss, McGihon said his team had a successful season.

“We came into the season with a lot of unknowns due to five seniors graduating, but our players did a great job filling those holes,” McGihon said.

LOS ALTOS 3, LA QUINTA 0: Jamey Braxton had 11 digs, Simone Henderson had six kills and four blocks and Ali Tuller had four kills and nine digs, but it wasn't enough as the Blackhawks' season came to an end in the second round of the CIF playoffs at home 25-13, 25-19, 25-23.

Despite the loss, La Quinta coach Ronda Sommaripa was still proud of her team's playoff effort.

“They still battled hard. They didn't give up. We just lost to a better team,” she said.

La Quinta concluded its season 11-6.

DESERT CHRISTIAN 3, ALVERNO 1: Danielle Ducatte had 18 digs and 17 kills, and Morgan Richert and Abby Ostendorff each had 17 digs as the Conquerors advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF playoffs by defeating Alverno 25-14, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18.

The Conquerors' effort impressed coach Stu Rowland.

“Tonight was in my mind the best game we've played all season, specifically because it was the best defensive match we've played all year,” he said. “We're excited to be moving on and playing in front of our home crowd.”

Desert Christian (18-2) will host Heritage at 7 p.m., Saturday.

MARYWOOD-PALM VALLEY 3, NUVIEW BRIDGE 2: Kelsey Mezrahi had 13 assists, Lina Ichida had six kills and Chelsea Elliott had nine aces as the Firebirds won a hard-fought five game match at home in the second round of the CIF playoffs 25-14, 12-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-8.

Coach Jack Makkai was proud of his team's effort.

“Our girls played their hearts out to win this match,” Makkai said. “We're looking forward to the quarterfinals. This is the farthest we've ever been in school history. It's exciting for us.”

Marywood-Palm Valley (19-2) will host St. Monica Academy at 5:30 p.m., Saturday.

YUCCA VALLEY 3, GLADSTONE 0: Elizabeth Slaughter had 31 digs, Ali Ratkowiak had 12 kills and Lindsay Sullivan picked up 11 digs as the Trojans advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF playoffs with a victory at home, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16.

“Our balanced offense combined with solid defense was the key to victory tonight,” coach Pam Naylor said. “We're looking forward to the next round on Saturday.”

Yucca Valley (11-4) will travel to face the Upland Christian/St. Anthony winner at 7 p.m., Saturday.

Local tennis

Senior Players wanted: The Desert Tennis League is forming teams for tennis players age 50 and over for the 2010 season that plays January through March.

Playoff matches are the first week of April.

Levels include 3.5 men, 3.5 women, 4.0/4.5 men and 4.0/4.5 women, doubles only.

Matches are played each Friday at 1 p.m., but there are no matches played during the BNP Paribas Open on March 8-21.

Anyone interested in the league should call Al Bauer at (760) 773-0561.

Wrestling

Palm springs car wash fundraiser: Palm Springs High School will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday to raise funds for equipment and tournament fees.

Cost is $5 and will be held at the Palm Springs High School Ramon Road parking lot.

Officiating

Umpires needed: Baseball umpires are needed for the 2010 high school season.

Officials must be 18 years old and able to work games starting at 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Training will be provided through the association. The first meeting will be Jan. 20, 2010 at Cathedral City High School in room 322. The meeting runs from 7-9 p.m.

For information call Bob Hays at (760) 831-5586.

Senior softball

Players Needed: Palm Desert Senior Softball, a league for 50-over seniors, is being formed. Practices are at the Palm Desert Civic Center Fields at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays beginning Dec 7. League play begins Jan. 12 for 10 weeks. For information, call Paul Jones at (760) 568-1023.