WILLIAMS. CA (MPG) – After finishing last season 9-14 and not meeting their expectations, the Yellowjackets are back with a number of new faces and renewed determination to work hard and improve the consistency in their play.
Williams’ alumna Maria Mendiola takes the helm of the varsity squad this year after serving as the JV coach for the previous three seasons, which gives her an advantage in knowing and understanding her players.
One of the things Mendiola likes most about this group is the positive interaction on the squad and a desire to advance its skill set.
“They are really close-knit,” said Mendiola. “They work well together and are very supportive of each other.”
Three seniors, all of whom are three-year varsity players, will take the court for their final season, including outside hitter Yurydia Rocha, along with defensive specialists Daisy Ruiz and Andrea Velazquez.
Although statistics from last season were incomplete, Rocha showed an ability to deliver a kill in addition to averaging 6.4 digs per match, while Ruiz, the Yellowjacket libero for the past two seasons, and Velazquez averaged 9.1 and 6.3 digs per match respectively.
A core of juniors will also need to step up this season, even though six of the eight making their varsity debuts.
Returners Evelin Iniguez and Lupita Rivera proved last year they can compete at the varsity level with Iniguez supplying power in the front row and from the service stripe, while Ramirez distributes the ball well as a setter.
Fellow juniors moving up from JV, will be middle hitter blocker Giselle Navarro, opposite Belen Paiz along with back row players Andrea Jaime, Brianna Gutierrez, Lesley Duran and Dulce Duran.
Mendiola likes the effort put in from this group in particular as they prepared for the upcoming season by joining the small Williams club team in order to get more court time.
However, one of the things the ‘Jackets do not have this year is much height, so to add a bit more outside hitter Aimee Velazquez and setter Jacqueline Esqueda, a pair of sophomores will also have opportunities to contribute to the team.
With the JV squad coached by Mendiola going 10-0 in league last season, the hope is that they carry over that winning trend into this year and peak by the time the playoffs roll around.
Defense will be paramount for the Yellowjackets and as a result they are contemplating implementing a two-libero system, that is now allowed by the California Interscholastic Federation, to create some tactical flexibility in the lineup.
After finishing tied for fourth in the Mid-Valley League last season, Williams is working toward developing more stability in its play which will be necessary if it is to compete with Quincy and Hamilton City, the top two teams from a season ago.
The ‘Jackets played their first game of the new season on Aug. 13 in Willows and are slated to entertain Clear Lake on Aug. 18. provide power at the net for the ‘Jackets.