By Coach Celeste Hilderbrand
The Yucca Valley High School Trojan junior varsity volleyball team finished its season with a seven-game winning streak, after defeating Twentynine Palms High School in two sets, 26-24 and 25-15.
Because of a loss to the Wildcats in the first half of the season, the Trojans were determined to defeat them in the second half of league play.
Junior captain Amanda Cruz led the team in kills with four key kills throughout the sets while also being a top defensive player and server throughout the season.
Junior Briana Adams contributed three kills and one massive block, while sophomore Paige Van Hulten added three kills, eight assists, and one ace. Junior captain Brianna Etter led the team in aces with four, while also adding seven assists and two kills.
Middle hitter Peyton Cressy again made her presence known at the net and in the backcourt, contributing one kill and two ace serves. Outside hitter Carly Brimhall had two kills and one ace serve, and Leilani Liechti added two kills. Freshman libero Desiree Loya was a defensive superstar, making numerous digs and consistent passes to her setters from the backcourt.
Defensive specialist Madison Lazarovitz had one ace serve and contributed heavily to the Trojan defense.
Right side hitters Loralei Hadley and sophomore captain Anna Jennings were reliable on the net, going up strong against the Wildcat offense. Jennings also contributed two kills to the win. Junior Kailee Sullivan kept her team fired up throughout the match, and has shown tremendous improvement over the season.
The Trojans had a rocky start to the season, losing to Indio, Coachella Valley, and Twentynine Palms in the first half of the season. The players’ dedication and determination to become better players and teammates resulted in the team defeating all three of these teams in the second half of the season. The team improved their overall league record to 11-3.
