Photo by Sierra College Athletics – Del Norte’s Kaleya Sanchez (4)

Kaleya Sanchez continued to light up the collegiate volleyball courts this week, helping Sierra College to a playoff win just days after being named to the all-Northern California community college team.

On Tuesday night, the former Del Norte standout led the Wolverines to a straight sets win over Sequoias in the opening round of the NorCal Regionals, finishing with nine kills and nine digs in the win.

Sanchez has had an immediate impact with one of the top programs in the state in just her freshman season, playing a pivotal role on a Wolverines team that was 21-7 in the regular season and won a fourth consecutive Big 8 Conference championship.

The Sierra women had to win nine straight matches to close out as co-champions of a conference that features some of the top programs in NorCal.

The outside hitter led the conference with 356 kills this season, as well as finishing second on her team in digs with 319.

And she’s had an immediate impact with her teammates as well.

“She’s fun, she’s kind, and she’s family oriented, which is something we look for,” Sierra head coach Vera Nelson said earlier this month. “She’s a team player all the way. She loves the game, and loves to compete, and that’s a great combination.

“The sky’s the limit for Kaleya.”

The Wolverines, who have now won 10 straight, will play at Cabrillo in the second round of the NorCal Regionals on Saturday.

###

Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.