Balmy temperatures inside the Maxwell gymnasium did nothing to dissuade the Panthers and the visiting Williams Yellowjackets from putting on a spirited exchange for the large crowd on hand last Thursday night.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, there was no home court advantage in the heat as the Yellowjackets prevailed in straight sets 25-18, 25-22, 25-19.
While the match marked the second for Maxwell, it was the season opener for Williams, who looked as though they had picked up right where they left off a season ago.
Although the Panthers put forth a game effort, and turned the outing into a seesaw battle, the strength of the ‘Jackets at the service line – and at the net – was too much to overcome.
Mia Rivera led Williams with seven kills, in addition to dominating at the net, making it difficult for Maxwell to hit around the block.
Ashley Garcia pitched in with four kills and three aces while Alexa Barrera, Linda Rivera, and Valeria Vargas tallied four aces apiece at the service line, on a night where Williams finished the match with a total of 22 aces.
Also playing a significant role in the win was setter Giselle Vega, who handed out 10 assists.
For their part, the Panthers played earnestly all match long, but were hampered by a number of unforced errors.
Although no individual statistics were available, libero Bailee Haywood turned in a strong performance in the back row, as well as from the service stripe, while Emma Hendrix should be commended as well for her effort at the net and in directing the attack.
Williams was back at it on Saturday, Aug. 20, participating in the 2nd Annual Chico Panther Tournament where they posted wins over McKinleyville and Tokay, before losing to Chico to claim the second spot in pool play.
The ‘Jackets then dropped their first match in the gold bracket to Shasta, but finished a very respectable 2-2 at one of the North State’s most competitive tournaments.
Now 3-2 on the young season, the Yellowjackets were in Durham on Wednesday night and will host Live Oak tonight, while Maxwell (2-1) welcomed Durham to town on Tuesday and faces off at home against Esparto this evening. ■