In high school sports, the Yucca Valley High School Lady Trojan varsity volleyball team lost a four-set match to Coachella Valley in their first conference match of the season.
Coach Tammy Rhodes said despite injuries, the Trojans are still working on consistency and elements needed to be successful as a team. Annie Hilderbrand, quarterback of the team, is in constant pursuit to push her teammates to a new level.
Outside hitter Katie Alexander has been out all season due to injuries, while sister and freshman Stacie Alexander has stepped into that role and is becoming the go-to girl for the Trojan’s offense.
Up and coming outside hitter Loryn Brimhall is also becoming a weapon and leading the team in blocks. Ella Villamero, libero, is leading the team in defense, and rules the back of the court with physical agility and mental toughness.
“We are fighters and we will continue to grow and be successful. It’s exciting to see this group of girls working together towards a common goal.”
Coach Rhodes said she is excited to see her team’s growth and feels that each match is teaching lessons that inspire and motivate this team towards a higher level of competition.
Junior varsity volleyball has started
its season with two away games, one in Big Bear last Friday and one
in Coachella Valley on Tuesday. Despite numerous interruptions
in the game, the girls won the first set against Big Bear 26-24, only
to fall in the second set 13-25. The team fought hard in the third
set yet came up short, 16-14. Junior Amanda Cruz demonstrated
her experience and leadership abilities in all three sets, coming up
with numerous digs, kills, and service points to help the Lady
Trojans. Sophomore Peyton Cressy is becoming an offensive weapon
leading the squad in kills.
On Tuesday, the junior varsity Trojans
traveled to Coachella Valley to face the Arabs. The Trojans were
defeated in the first set 25-13 but rallied to defeat Coachella
Valley 25-17 in the second set. Freshman Madison Lazarovitz
helped the Trojans obtain victory in their second set with six
straight service points including four aces. Unfortunately, the
Trojans lost in the third set, 15-10.
Coach Hilderbrand has seen
tremendous growth and leadership emerging on the junior varsity
team. She stated, “The athletes on the team have the talent
and skills to do well in league. We have some experienced
athletes along with many newcomers, including seven players new to
the JV squad. They just need a little more experience working
together as a team and maintaining a high level of energy throughout
their games.”
