HANNIBAL — The River Pilots volleyball squad survived and advanced to start the OHSAA volleyball postseason, defeating Frontier on Monday in sectional play with a 3-0 sweep, 25-19, 25-23, 25-20.

River, seeded No. 5 in the tournament, defeated the seven-seeded Cougars behind big performances from key players.

Mallaire Maddy led River with 15 kills, while Hallie Hammel tallied 13 kills and 13 digs, the second-highest team mark in both of those categories. Hammel also nailed three service aces.

Aubrey Fetty led the Pilots with 18 digs. River bounced back Monday after finishing as OVAC 2A runners-up against Caldwell on Saturday.

River will next travel to face. No. 4 Strasburg on Wednesday, Oct. 15.