Recreation

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST – As part of a continuing program to help protect communities and natural resources from wildfires by reducing hazardous fuels, improve wildlife habitat and improve forest health, the Mendocino National Forest is beginning its fall prescribed burning.

The transition from the wildfire season to the fall burning program occurs rapidly in Northern California as cooler weather and higher moisture move into the area.

This type of weather will make "burn windows," according to Terry Nickerson, fuels specialist for the Upper Lake and Covelo Ranger Districts. Burn windows have to meet site specific conditions and criteria and these conditions are monitored closely before, during and after a prescribed burn.

Burning could begin immediately and last through the winter and into next spring, as long as weather conditions are favorable. Over the next few months, the public may see smoke in various parts of the national forest.

Prescribed burning is planned for the following general areas:

• Upper Lake and Covelo Districts: along Elk Mountain Road, Howard Mill, Deer Valley, Boardman Ridge, High Valley, Horse Mountain, Tar Flat, Newhouse Ridge, Pine Mountain, Lake Pillsbury, in the vicinity of the 2005 Hunter Fire (Buckhorn and Skidmore Ridge), selected campgrounds, guard stations and miscellaneous pile burning will also be included in the prescribed burning operations.

• Grindstone District: Little Stony, underburn; Alder Springs, underburn; type conversion maintenance; Oak Ridge, pile burning.

For additional information, please contact Terry Nickerson, Upper Lake/Covelo fuels specialist, (707) 275-1440 or Matt Ellis, Grindstone fuels specialist, (530) 934-1135.

More information on prescribed burning is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino. Additionally, prescribed fire announcements will be placed at local Ranger Stations prior to implementation.

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UKIAH – The Mendocino College Women’s Volleyball team notched a key win on the road in Oakland on Friday October 5, beating Laney College three games to one.

“Our young ladies showed a lot of maturity tonight. They played through some rough spots and kept a good energy on the court,” noted Mendocino Head Coach Ori Polkinghorne.

Mendocino came out shaky in game one, losing 19-30, as Laney’s Jaydelynn Kaleinani-Sauva showed her strength at the net and the service line.

“She was a one-woman wrecking-crew,” Polkinghorne said.

After making some adjustments, the Eagles were able to overpower Laney in the next three games 30-19, 30-25, and 30-22.

Sophomore Jamie Brown (Potter Valley) was a force at the net for Mendocino with 10 kills and five key blocks, several of which were against Kaleinani-Sauva. Sophomore setter Jenny Stark (Clearlake) paced the Mendocino attack by distributing 32 assists and serving up four key aces.

For the second time in a week, the Eagles were saved by spectacular serving. Against Laney, Mendocino was able to put down 26 aces. Leading the way was freshman outside hitter Jenn Cox (Upper Lake), who had 9 aces and kept pressure on the Laney defense all night.

Freshman Angela Newell (Fort Bragg) made a notable contribution on defense for the Eagles. Newell stepped in at the Libero position for the injured Sarah Luetke (Yreka) and delivered 11 digs and an overall solid performance.

“Angela always steps up for us, no matter what she is asked to do, she is talented and versatile,” Polkinghorne said.

Mendocino is now 3-1 in Bay Valley Conference play and 6-7 overall. The Eagles travel to Napa Valley College on Wednesday and play at home versus Yuba College Friday night. Match time is set for 6:30 pm.

For information concerning Mendocino College Athletics, visit www.mendocino.edu.

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UKIAH – The Mendocino College Women’s Volleyball team scored a decisive three-set victory over visiting College of Alameda Wednesday on Oct. 3.

The 30-20, 30-20, 30-14 win against the Comets improved the Eagles’ record in the Bay Valley Conference to 2-1 and 5-7 overall.

“We weren’t as efficient on offense as we should have been, but this was definitely a good win for us. Our strong defense and great serving powered us tonight – Shana had an impressive night,” said Mendocino Head Coach Ori Polkinghorne said.

Shana Hiatt, a 5’9” freshman from Clear Lake High, dominated Alameda from the service line racking up ten aces on the night. Hiatt served 12 straight points in game two alone to break the game and the match wide open for the Eagles.

Mendocino got a strong performance at the net from Freshman Passion Allen LeNard (Lower Lake), who recorded eight kills along with four digs and four aces.

Defensive standouts for the Eagles were Sophomre Sarah Luetke (Yreka) who dug up 18 balls and Freshman Marcie Brendlen (Anderson Valley) who added ten digs.

For information concerning Mendocino College Athletics, visit www.mendocino.edu.

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