Volleyball ends regular season with victory over Bruins

Yellowjackets spoil Bloomington’s Senior Night with 3-1 win as Leslie Venegas, Joleena Silberman, and Glory Mgbemere lead the way

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J. Dollins

Glory Mgbemere intimidates the BHS opposition at the net in Colton’s 3-1 defeat of their interdistrict rivals.

Bloomington, CA—The Yellowjackets had fun on Wednesday night against the Bloomington Bruins. It was the most fun they have had in weeks as they cruised to a 3-1 victory over their interdistrict rivals (25-13, 21-25, 25-10, 25-16). 

You could hear it from the bleachers during the JV match as varsity overwhelmed the small gymnasium with their massive shouts and footstomping in support of their teammates from the bleachers.

You could see it in the relaxed postures of the players after they made mistakes during the second set, suggesting that they finally felt no pressure.

You could see it in the celebrations between points, and especially at the end of the match as easy smiles came to everyone’s faces.

“Today they had fun,” Coach Anthony Wade said after the match. “They took all the pressure off themselves and applied it to the other team.”

The Yellowjackets were led on offense by Joleena Silberman, who finished the match with 24 attacks, 8 kills, and an ace. Leslie Venegas added 22 attacks, 6 kills, and an ace. On the defense, Jennifer Amaral finished with 14 digs, and Glory Mgbemere had 2 digs and 2 blocks. Justeen Robledo, who started the first set as libero, had 6 digs on defense and 3 aces on offense.

“I was nervous at first because I never played that position,” Robledo said. “Once I started to get the hang of it, it kind of got easy. And then I think my teammates really helped me by getting the ball when I couldn’t, and that makes me feel good.”

In the first set, Colton started strong and didn’t let up. They were up 14-7 when Kiara Verdin stepped up to serve and ripped off three consecutive aces to put the game away. The Yellowjackets won 25-13.

Bloomington showed their resolve in the second set, fighting back for a 21-25 victory.

Then the Yellowjackets rallied in the third and fourth, putting the Bruins away for good, winning 25-10 and 25-16.

“We did a good job,” team captain Leslie Venegas said. “I was so hyped the entire game.”

The Yellowjackets finish their season next week at the Skyline League tournament on Monday and Wednesday. On Monday, they travel to Eisenhower to play the Eagles. Wednesday’s game is to determined.