The Ventura Orthopedics Athletes of the Week

ALIYAH ADAMSSchool: Rio MesaYear: JuniorSport: VolleyballComment: The 5-foot-10 middle hitter helped the Spartans make program history with two wins in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs last week. On Tuesday, Adams had eight kills and two blocks as Rio Mesa defeated Orange Vista 27-25, 25-14, 25-17 in a Division 8 first-round match for the Spartans’ first playoff victory in 10 years. On Thursday, she finished with 16 kills and two blocks as Rio Mesa beat Jurupa Valley 25-22, 25-18, 25-12 to reach the CIF-SS quarterfinals for the first time. The Spartans will play Pacifica-Garden Grove on Tuesday at Oxnard High.DOMINIC ALCANTARSchool: Santa PaulaYear: JuniorSport: FootballComment: The junior running back returned from injury for the Cardinals and made an immediate impact, rushing for 190 yards on 23 carries — an 8.3-yard average per run — to help the Cardinals beat Hueneme 21-19 in a Tri-County League game last Friday. Santa Paula (4-5, 1-3) will play at rival Fillmore this Friday to end the regular season.The athletes are chosen by The Star sports staff.This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: The Ventura Orthopedics Athletes of the Week