RedHawks, Eagles fly to third, fourth in Los Molinos

Both the Colusa High and Princeton volleyball teams played inspired volleyball over the weekend, advancing through pool play and cross-pool play to finish third and fourth in the 5th annual Beth Pilger Invitational in Los Molinos.

Saturday featured 12 hours of volleyball, and the floor in the Los Molinos gymnasium was actually divided sideways into two courts, so both the varsity and junior varsity tournaments could run concurrently.

Each court featured two rows of chairs behind the players for spectators and the brave could also perch on the top row of folded bleachers just behind the end lines, but needed to be alert to volleyballs coming their way during warm-ups or smacked their way during games.

Colusa's run was finally stopped by Mercy on Saturday, with the Warriors claiming second place. Princeton was defeated by eventual champions Los Molinos.

The RedHawks began play on Saturday with a three-game match against Princeton, with Colusa pulling out the 25-18, 23-25, 16-14 decision.

Next up was the first of two matches with the Warriors, but Mercy came out on top 25-20, 25-18.

The two teams later met again and the RedHawks forced a third game before falling 25-23, 21-25, 11-15.

Princeton followed its morning loss to Colusa by defeating Fall River (26-24, 25-21) and topping Portola (25-17, 25-18), before being stopped by Los Molinos 25-14, 25-12.

The RedHawks hosted Wheatland on Tuesday and open the doors to Biggs on Thursday.

Princeton pays a Thursday visit to Westwood.

CONTACT Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.