Fontana overwhelms Yellowjackets, takes volleyball match 3-1
Great games from Joleena SIlberman, Leslie Venegas, and Jennifer Amaral are offset by the team’s overall struggle on defense
Joleena Silberman beats out two of Fontana’s hitters with this third set kill.
Colton, CA—After Wednesday’s heartbreaking league loss to Jurupa Hills, the Yellowjackets took to the court on Friday to face one of their toughest opponents yet, the 9-7 Fontana Steelers. Despite a gritty effort by the ladies, Fontana won the match in four sets, 3-1 (16-25, 17-25, 25-21, 13-25).
Colton was led once again on offense by Joleena Silberman and Leslie Venegas, who played their best games of the season. Silberman especially stood out, with 39 attacks, 10 kills, 30 receptions, and 22 digs. She kept the Yellowjackets in the game with her strong play at the net, leading to their third set victory.
Venegas finished the game with 30 attacks, 4 kills, and 11 digs for Colton. Other notable players included Jennifer Amaral, who led the defense with 25 receptions and 37 digs, and Glory Mgbemere, who held her own at the net with 20 attacks, 4 kills, and 2 blocks.
For Fontana, they were led by senior outside hitter Aracely Guzman, who kept the Yellowjackets on their heels all match with her backline digs and receptions.
Fontana dominated for most of the match. They took early leads in each of their three set victories. Colton fought back every time, pushing the Steelers with long volleys and forceful attacks, but the leads kept growing.
Team captain Leslie Venegas was concerned about how the team’s communication led to those stretches where Fontana extended their leads. “Everyone felt the need to go for the ball, and there wasn’t a lot of communication. That’s what hurts us the most.”
In the third set, Colton took an early 11-4 advantage that set the tone and their confidence. Even as Fontana fought their way back to tie the set up at 18-18, errors and strong play at the net by Grace Osueke and Jayda Porter secured Colton’s only victory of the match.
A common trend in recent matches is that the Yellowjackets win a set, then have a let down immediately afterwards. This trend continued today as the team won the third set 25-21, but couldn’t keep up the momentum, losing the fourth set 13-25.
Silberman was clear on what she feels is the issue with this trend. “Effort. That’s one of the biggest things we have to work on.”
The Yellowjackets will continue to work on their game next Wednesday when they travel to Eisenhower High for a league match against the 7-7 Eagles.
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