By all metrics, the 2021-2022 volleyball season was a disappointing season marked by ups and downs, the most consequential being the 4-14 record. For a team with higher expectations for themselves, this year they plan on changing that narrative. 

Led by new head coach Anthony Wade and returning varsity players Leslie Venegas, Glory Mgbemere, Joleena Silberman, Justeen Robledo, Jennifer Amaral, Desyree Gutierrez, Janelle Rodriguez, and Alyssa Gonzalez,  the team has hope for this upcoming season. 

Here are five things to look for as the volleyball team plays their first home game tonight at 5:15 p.m. in the Hubbs.

Off season preparation

Following last season’s 4-14 record the Yellowjackets worked on many things this off-season. Hitting the weights and conditioning was a key part in Coach Anthony’s plan. Being able to be well-conditioned throughout the duration of a game is essential to a fast-paced game like volleyball. Working on speed and agility to help the Yellowjackets better perform when they are out there on the court.

New Seniors, New Contributors

With 10 seniors graduating last year, the Yellowjackets were in need of a rebuild. This season, they bring back several players, such as middle blocker Glory Mgbemere, libero Jennifer Amaral, and outside hitters Leslie Venegas, Joleena Silberman, and Justeen Robledo.

Last year’s JV team’s success brings some new varsity contributors as well. There are expectations for setters Kiara Verdin and Desiree Gutierrez, and opposite hitter Grace Osueke.

Answering Questions

Questions arose after last season‘s performance. Does the team have no ice when it comes to road games? Does the crowd have an effect on them, as seen at the Grand Terrace game? 

These are factors that will come into play during this season‘s schedule. A lot of the performance anxiety from last season can be attributed to losing out on an off-season because of the pandemic. This year, there will be no excuses.

More competitive schedule

The Yellowjackets remain in the Skyline League this season, where they will face off against Arroyo Valley, Eisenhower, and Jurupa Hills. Their non-league schedule is packed with several winnable matches against the likes of Pacific (Aug. 18, CHS), Indian Springs (Aug. 26, @ ISHS), San Bernardino (Aug. 30, @ SBHS), Canyon Springs (Sep. 1, @ CSHS), and Fontana (Sep. 16, @ CHS).

And once league play starts against Jurupa Hills on September 14, look for the Yellowjackets to have found their groove against tough opponents like Chaffey (Aug. 24, @ CHS), Calvary Chapel Downey (Aug. 25, @ CHS), Perris (Aug. 31, @ CHS), and Rubidoux (Sep. 7, @ CHS).

The only game that is missing from this year’s schedule is a rematch against Grand Terrace High, who are in the San Andreas League. According to athletic director Jacob Van Hofwegen, his job is “to protect athletics” and help create a strength of schedule that is competitive for our teams. Last year’s game against Grand Terrace was one-sided, and the climate of the event was quite hostile, which was not something the program wanted to revisit.

Same goal, “never say die” approach

Coach Wade knows this season is going to be a challenging one for his players, but he has instilled in them a “never say die” attitude.

“We want to make the playoffs in whatever fashion we can,” Wade said.

The Yellowjackets may very well be looking at a very tense final week as they head into the league tournament on October 10. While winning the Skyline league will be a hill to climb, there are other ways to make it to the CIF Southern Sectional playoffs. And if any team can do it, these Yellowjackets can.