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Elk Grove Citizen

Raiders lose in Division II playoff semifinals

Nov 02, 2022 12:00AM ● By By Shaun Holkko, sports editor

Rio Americano junior libero Livia Bacchi prepares to hit the ball during a three-set sweep of Golden Valley in the first round of the 2022 Division II CIF Sac-Joaquin Girls Volleyball Playoffs on October 25. The Raiders were swept in three sets at Vacaville in the semifinals of the D2 playoffs on Tuesday, November 1. Photo courtesy of William J Carroll III Photography

VACAVILLE, CA (MPG) – The Rio Americano girls varsity volleyball team’s season came to an end on Tuesday night, suffering a three-set sweep at Vacaville in the semifinals of the 2022 Division II CIF Sac-Joaquin Girls Volleyball Playoffs.

The No. 3 seed Raiders (34-8, 12-0 Capital Athletic League) had a rough opening set against the No. 2 seed Bulldogs (23-6, 14-0 Monticello Empire League), falling 25-12. Rio came back strong in the second set, but ultimately lost 25-22.

Vacaville pulled away with the match victory by winning the final set, 25-20. This is the second time the Raiders were swept by the Bulldogs this season. Vacaville swept Rio in two sets on October 8, winning 25-22 and 25-16.

RELATED: Rio Americano girls volleyball team advances to semifinals of D2 playoffs

The Bulldogs were swept in three sets by No. 1 seed Whitney of Rocklin at Natomas High School in the D2 championship game on Saturday.

The Raiders were led in kills by two senior outside hitters. Lulu Voss had a team-high eight kills and was followed closely by Nikita Rogaski who had seven of her own. Both players also had two serving aces.

Voss led Rio with eight Diggs and junior libero Livia Bacchi recorded five digs. Junior setter Grace Stone tallied 18 assists.

RELATED: Marysville runs over Rio Americano

The loss to Vacaville snapped a seven-match winning streak for the Raiders. Despite the loss, it was still a strong season for Rio, finishing 12-0 in CAL play to earn its eighth league championship.

Only one fourth of the team are seniors and will be graduating. The Raiders graduating in the Class of 2023 are Rogaski, Voss and defensive specialist Mae Hutchinson.

Despite the defeat in the section playoffs, the season is not over yet. Rio qualified for the 2022 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships as the No. 16 seed. The Raiders play No. 1 seed Clovis North (24-10) in the first round on Tuesday night at 6 p.m.