By Coach Celeste Hilderbrand
The Yucca Valley High School junior varsity volleyball team earned a second-place finish at the Desert Valley Volleyball Tournament on September 14.
The team started the day in pool play, defeating teams from West Shores High School (25-19, 24-26, 15-6), Desert Hot Springs High School (25-14, 25-13), and Shadow Hills High School (26-24, 25-21). The only team able to defeat the Trojans throughout the day was Indio High School (16-25, 11-25).
After placing third in pool play, the Trojans went on to the double elimination portion of the tournament and once again defeated West Shores (25-11) and Shadow Hills (25-11), making it to the final championship match against Indio High School. Even though the Trojans fell to the Indio Rajahs in the championship match, the game scores were much closer in the second match-up, 25-19 and 25-21.
Throughout the day, junior captains Amanda Cruz and Brianna Etter demonstrated leadership through their play with numerous ace serves, digs and kills. Freshman libero Desiree Loya controlled the backcourt, and freshman Madison Lazarovitz came on as a serving/defensive specialist, earning several aces. Freshmen Carly Brimhall and Leilani Liechti racked up the digs and kills as outside hitters, and setters Brianna Etter and Paige VanHulten helped their team with assists and kills. Middle hitters Peyton Cressy, Briana Adams, and Mary Lovejoy controlled the middle of the court by making numerous blocks and kills throughout the tournament as well as having strong serves. Also contributing to the team’s success through the tournament were sophomore captain Anna Jennings, sophomore Loralei Haldey, and freshman Aliana O’Connor as right side hitters and junior Kailee Sullivan as a defensive specialist.
Coach Celeste Hilderbrand said, “The Trojans were implementing newer rotations/substitution patterns and really came together as a team. Even after seven hours of volleyball, the athletes were striving for success and encouraging each other in high pressure moments. The team would appreciate any support at their next home game, Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in the Trojan gym against Cathedral City High School.”
