Bears volley to 3rd in Hamilton Tourney

The Pierce High girls surprised quite a few teams, but not themselves over the weekend, playing inspired volleyball and coming home with third place in the Hamilton Tournament.

The Lady Bears opened pool play Friday with a 25-19, 25-15 win over Orland, before losing to second-place Portola 17-25, 16-25.

In Saturday's elimination round, Pierce stopped Willows twice by scores of 25-20, lost again to Portola (22-25, 22-25) but finished on a high note with a 25-23, 25-11 decision over Mercy.

"The girls worked really hard and played well for the most part," said coach Kim Travis. "We beat Orland, Quincy, Willows and Mercy, but we struggled with Portola."

For the tournament, leaders were Yasmin Garcia, with nine aces; Alison Ornbaun, 71 assists; Molly Geyer, 24 kills; and Shannen Schaad, with 13 blocks.

Princeton fell to Live Oak on Thursday, losing 13-25, 15-25, and to Mercy, 20-25, 17-25.

Saturday saw the Lady eagles hang tough with Quincy, before losing 25-22, 21-25, 7-15. They concluded play with a 24-26, 25-19, 7-15 defeat at the hands of Live Oak.

Pierce (4-2) hit the road for East Nicolaus on Tuesday, and returns home to welcome Esparto Thursday.

Princeton (0-4) played at Biggs Tuesday.

Hamilton Tournament

1. Hamilton

2. Portola

3. Pierce

4. Mercy

5. Willows

6. Corning

7. Quincy

8. Orland

9. Live Oak

10. Princeton