East Nicolaus setter Ashlynn Tagala (7) sets a ball on Oct. 20 during a loss to Pierce. Photo by Steven Bryla

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (YSBC) - The CIF Sectional playoffs for girls flag football and volleyball began on Oct. 26 and we had six squads from the Sac-Joaquin Section and one from the Northern Section qualify for the postseason and here’s how the week panned out.

Northern Section Volleyball

East Nicolaus - The Spartans won their first-round matchup with a three-set sweep with ease over Trinity.

In East Nicolaus’ second-matchup they were beaten by Durham, who was the No. 1 overall seed.

The Spartans took the first two sets, but ultimately dropped the final three to get knocked out of the postseason prior to the section final for the first time since 2019.

East Nicolaus senior setter Ashlynn Tagala finished the match at 1,000 career assists and is the only player to be named twice on the Spartans’ 1,000 club list.

East Nicolaus is waiting at the conclusion of the section finals to see if they were given a NorCal State playoff bid.

The NorCal playoff brackets will be released on Sunday, Nov. 8 following the completion of all CIF Section finals this upcoming weekend.

River Valley junior Hailey Runyen (10) pushes a ball over the net on Oct. 27 in the Falcons’ victory over Oakdale. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Sac-Joaquin Section Volleyball

River Valley- The Falcons won their first postseason game in the program since 2018 as they defeated Oakdale in straight sets in the first round of the SJS D-III playoffs.

River Valley head coach Samee Taylor expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that it was a full-circle moment as she donned a Falcons uniform the last time a program won a postseason game.

River Valley traveled to Ripon on Oct. 29 and was swept in straight sets. The Falcons 15 victories this year were the most in the program since 2019.

Sutter- The Huskies moved to their third section semifinal in the past five seasons after they swept Westlake Charter and Linden in back-to-back matches to open the playoffs.

Sutter’s streak of continuous victories since the beginning of September has been dominant, but they are playing their best ball currently.

The Huskies hosted No. 13 Summerville on Tuesday for the opportunity to get back into the SJS D-V championship.

Yuba City senior Maddison Jackson (1) hits a ball on Oct. 27 in the Honkers’ victory against Buhach Colony. Photo by Steven Bryla

Yuba City- The Honkers beat Buhach Colony in the SJS D-III opening round and secured their first playoff win in the program since 2015.

Yuba City dedicated the win to head coach Heather Harness as she was not present at the game due to celebrating the birth of a child.

Honkers senior outside hitter Maddison Jackson told YSBC that it felt amazing to be part of the senior class that delivered the first playoff win in over a 10-year stretch. 

Jackson said the 2027 class had worked very hard and dedicated the year to trying to be the class that delivered a playoff win.

Yuba City traveled to Roseville on Oct. 29 and took them to five sets for the third time this season, but ultimately fell short.

Wheatland- The Pirates were swept in the opening round of the Division IV bracket against West Campus. 

Wheatland junior Jorden Hill (9) and freshman Caylee Hansen (22) celebrate a touchdown on Oct. 28 during the Pirates’ win over Hughson. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Sac-Joaquin Section Flag Football

Wheatland- The Pirates opened the Division IV bracket with an 18-12 win over Hughson.

The game was all knotted at 12 after the first half and Wheatland scored the lone touchdown in the second half.

Freshman quarterback Caylee Hansen completed 15 passes for 200 yards in the air and rushed for 150 yards on the ground.

Hansen’s favorite target offensively was junior wide receiver Jorden Hill as they connected for seven receptions for seven receptions and 159 receiving yards.

The Pirates defense continued to fluster opponents as freshman Evelyn Tillotson had six flag pulls, all for a loss and senior Gwen Chan led the way with nine flag pulls.

Wheatland had the opportunity to host another playoff game on Monday night as Livingston upset No. 2 Orestimba in the opening round.

Sutter- The Huskies took care of business and won by double-digits in a 21-6 victory over Foresthill in the opening round of the SJS D-V bracket.

Sutter seniors Mia Bautista and Mia Bryan connected with each other three times for 108 yards in the air. Bryan hauled in two touchdown passes from Bautista.

The Huskies traveled to Lathrop on Monday and took on the No. 3 seed River Islands.

Wheatland junior Jorden Hill (9) runs after a catch on Oct. 28 in the Pirates' win against Hughson. Photo by Chris Pedigo