Colton, CA—The Yellowjackets volleyball team continues to improve this season, winning their second game of the year last night in a five-set nailbiter against Chaffey High.
Last year, Chaffey beat Colton 3-1 in Ontario, but the Yellowjackets left that history where it belongs and took the 3-2 victory over the Tigers.
In their fifth game of the season, Colton’s fifth thrived with strong communication, lots of hustle, and a great closing effort down the stretch.
“I feel like the communication definitely has gone up a big amount to where I feel like it made a difference on that court today, for sure,” said head coach Blanca Ascensio. “We only won, I think, one home game last year. So for it being our first home win is definitely an accomplishment, and we’re hoping to win many more this season.”
In the first set, Chaffey came out strong, winning 20-25 with a steady stream of offensive cross-court shots, putting Colton on the defensive. But in the second set, Colton played faster and harder, upsetting Chaffey’s communication, and won 25-15.
With Violet Palma on defense, the Yellowjackets were able to prevent, set, and make the most of their attacks. Charlene Hernandez also stood out with her precise blocks, and consistent attacking at the net.
“I feel like I played as much as I could in my role, in my part,” Hernandez said, “I think I contributed enough to the team where it was able to give us enough time to reset when we needed to.”
Colton built on the second set momentum and snatched a tight third set 25-23 after coming back from a five point deficit that looked to have them on the ropes. The end of the fourth set looked like it might go the same way, with Colton fighting from behind, but Chaffey was ready and took the fourth set 26-24.
“I feel like what we needed the most was honestly just bonding, and that’s it,” says Hiliana Serrano, “Personally, I feel like we did our amazing, like our best.”
The fifth set looked like it might go Chaffey’s way, continuing a recent trend of the Yellowjackets faltering late in games. But Colton kept it close, then gained distance on excellent service from Jayla McCarthy. They dominated the back half of the set for the 15-8 win and the match victory.
“I feel like it was a really great win, and the team worked together to get the win, and we really tried really hard to win the game today,” Andrea Llanes explains.
Colton is now 2-3, and with the weekend coming up, the Yellowjackets can take a well-deserved rest. The next game is at home on Aug. 26, against the Montclair Cavaliers at 5:15 pm.
Note: JV lost 2-1 against the Chaffey Tigers