Paloma Valley volleyball team advances with a sweep

The Paloma Valley High School girls volleyball team got off to a strong start in the CIF Southern Section playoffs Thursday night, winning in three sets against visiting Claremont in a Division 3 first-round match.

Senior outside hitter Liz Markovska led the way with 21 kills for the Wildcats, who improved their record to 27-6. They recently completed Ivy League with an 8-0 record. In the second round on Saturday at 6 p.m., Paloma Valley will be at home against West Ranch High of Valencia.

Senior Jayde Shelton contributed 8 kills for the Wildcats in the 25-15, 25-15, 25-17 victory. Coach Stephen Kaas was able to play all 17 players on his roster as Paloma Valley remained in control throughout the match.

"It was one of our better team efforts," Kaas said.

Senior Gabby Hollins leads the team with 297 kills this season, followed by Shelton with 236. Markovska, who joined the team in midseason after transferring from Heritage High, has 167 kills. Shelton leads the team in total blocks with 89, followed by junior Shannon Dunkin with 77.