Paloma Valley, Heritage to host volleyball playoff openers

Gabby Hollins (left) and Jayde Shelton have been two of Paloma Valley's top players this season. Photos by Kristi Jo Aguirre

Story has been updated to reflect date change of Heritage's match.

Paloma Valley High School and Heritage High, champions of their respective leagues, will open the CIF Southern Section girl volleyball playoffs at home this week.

Paloma Valley, 26-6 overall, enters the Division 3 playoffs as the Ivy League champion with an 8-0 record. The Wildcats are seeded third in the division behind No. 1 Ontario Christian and No. 2 La Salle -- the two teams ahead of them at the top of the CIF-SS Division 3 rankings. The Wildcats lost to Ontario Christian in the CIF division finals and again in the second round of the state playoffs last fall, finishing with a 28-8 overall record.

Building on last year's success, Paloma Valley is once again on a roll heading into the postseason. Coach Stephen Kaas' Wildcats will play host to Claremont at 6 p.m. Thursday. The visitors are 12-12 overall this season.

In Division 5, Heritage will be at home for a 6 p.m. match on Wednesday against Walnut. The Patriots won the Sunbelt League with a 10-0 record and are 17-12 overall. Walnut is 17-10 overall.

Santa Rosa Academy was scheduled to play a wild-card game against Twentynine Palms tonight in Division 8.

Aleya Starnes (12) and San Lindsey have been among the top players for Heritage High. Photos by Kristi Jo Aguirre