Running on empty

One thing you want to do on a trek to the mountains up a narrow highway is gas-up. The dog hit empty just past Wildwood Park and gambled he could make it to a gas station in Crestline. Mission accompished, but just barely.

Rim and Alta Loma are evenly matched teams, as their five-game match displayed. The Braves prevailed 3-2.

Senior outside hitter Becky Johnstone is of course Rim's star. She had 16 kills. But the dog was also impressed with junior outside Janine Lawler, who had 10 kills and three blocks.

Janine is the daughter of former Rim coaches Jill and Mike Lawler.

Known as Jill Whitney while coaching the Fighting Scots, Jill led Rim to one state title and one runner-up finish. Mike has coached basketball at several schools and was just named the Arroyo Valley girls basketball coach. He also is currently assisting Tony DiThomas with Arroyo Valley's unbeaten footballl team.

Janine agreed there is a certain amount of pressure inherent with being the daughter of coaches.

"Sometimes it's hard, especially when you look around here at all of the banners," she said, referring to Rim and her mother's impressive volleyball legacy.

The Scots have won 31 league titles and four state titles since 1974.

Also impressive Thursday night was Alta Loma senior middle hitter Kasey Toupal (19 kills) and senior outside hitter Rachel Freeno (11 kills, 18 digs). Freeno was a little inconsistent at the net, but is an explosive leaper who also plays good defense.