Yellowjackets celebrate final home game for seniors, lose to San Gorgonio

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Senior Karime Parra brings her teammates together for one last rally against San Gorgonio. It wasn’t enough, as the Yellowjackets fell, 3-0 to the Spartans.

Colton, CA—On an emotional evening marking the last league match for Colton High’s seniors, the Yellowjacket volleyball team fell to San Gorgonio in straight sets, 3-0.

From the opening serve, the Yellowjackets were outworked by the Spartans, led by junior middle hitter Jaylen Russell, whose presence at the net made for a 25-20 San Gorgonio victory in the first set.

The situation did not improve in sets two and three, with Colton losing both 25-13 and 25-18.

Despite the loss, which dropped the Yellowjackets to 1-6 in the Skyline League and 4-12 overall, head coach Sarah Vasquez remained proud of her team. “They fought as hard as they could,” she said. “I’m proud of the improvement they’ve made throughout this season. Obviously it’s not the result that we expected going in, but all-in-all I’m proud of them.”

More important than the game, however, was Senior Night. While the seniors on this year’s squad still have a tournament game to play at Bloomington High next week, last night’s game was the final home game for these athletes.

The night began with each senior being introduced with their families. They crossed the court where coach Vasquez awarded them with sashes and underclassmen players offered flowers.

“It’s very emotional right now,” senior Elena Torrero said. “Since I played my freshman year, it’s very emotional.”

Emotions were running high for the whole team. “It’s been a great season playing with them,” senior Lesley Larrios said, fighting back tears as she reflected on what this last home game means to her.

“It’s a bittersweet moment,” senior Karime Parra added. “I’m like super sad that I’m not going to play with the team that I’ve played with this year, and I’m for sure going to miss my friends and the bond that we’ve created. We’re still going to hang out off the court, but it’s not the same.”

“I’m a little sad because I’m going to miss playing my sport with my team and being coached by my coaches,” senior Desiree Ayala admitted. “Hopefully I’m going to continue in college.”

While the season did not end the way the Yellowjackets envisioned, it certainly ended in celebration for several notable high school volleyball players.