Bear River coach, senior reach milestones in win

The Bear River High School girls volleyball team had two individuals achieve major milestones over the last week in head coach Matt MacDonald and senior outside hitter Eden Cha. MacDonald, already the program's winningest coach, achieved his 400th career victory on Saturday as the Bruins defeated Durham 2-1 (24-26, 25-13, 15-4) in the Battle of the Buttes Gold Bracket championship match. MacDonald, who took over the program in 2008, has made the Bruins consistent section and state championship contenders during his tenure. Cha also made school history on Saturday, cementing herself as the new all-time kills leader at Bear River, passing Sara Schell's mark of 1,292 set in 2013. Cha, a four-year varsity starter, has now amassed 1,361 kills in her career and is second on this year's team with 188. Bear River kept its momentum from the Battle of the Buttes going as it began Pioneer Valley League play on Tuesday at Center. The Bruins made quick work of the Cougars, sweeping them in straight sets 25-5, 25-17, 25-17 to earn its first 33rd consecutive league victory. The Bruins were dominant at the net, racking up 36 kills as a team thanks to a nine-kill effort from junior Adi Hoffman. Gabby Sams and Grace McKeown each added eight while Dixie Drake and Eden Cha chipped in five kills each to round out a balanced attack. Freshman setter Shelby Jeffers and senior Brooke Milligan kept the offense humming, dishing out 17 assists each. Behind the service line, Bear River was steady as seniors Avelina Watkins and McKeown combined for seven of the team's 12 aces. Defensively, the Bruins closed the net effectively with eight total blocks. Hoffman tallied three block assists, while Ella Northup, Sams, and Drake each added one. With the win, Bear River improved to 17-4 on the season as it looks to keep up its hot streak at home against Lincoln on Thursday.