For the second time in a week, the Williams Yellowjackets and Maxwell Panthers battled it out on the volleyball court where, this time, the ‘Jackets prevailed 28-26, 25-22, 25-19 in an intensely competitive match to open Mid-Valley League play.
Despite the result last Tuesday evening, however, it was Maxwell, fresh off its win at the Quincy Tournament, that had the early momentum, jumping out to a 12-7 lead in the first set.
Yet, similar to the match on Sept.13, the Yellowjackets’ methodically reeled the Panthers back in, regaining the advantage at 16-15.
But also true to form, Maxwell wasn’t going down without a fight, forcing Williams to need additional points to bring the first set to a close, which ultimately they did, punctuated by a Mia Rivera kill.
Rivera finished the night with a double-double, which included a game high 15 kills to go along with 13 digs.
As the match continued into the second set, roles were reversed as the Panthers clawed their way back from an 11 point deficit to make things interesting, but, despite whittling the lead down to 23-22, could not hold off the Yellowjackets.
By the third set, errors were becoming a factor, and down the final stretch would again lead to Maxwell’s undoing as the ‘Jackets were able to capitalize.
Still, it was by no means an easy win for Williams, who suited just seven players for the match, but its cause was helped considerably by the play of setter Trinity Tungasmita, who took command of the offense, handing out 22 assists.
Ashley Garcia also made a strong showing for the ‘Jackets, logging nine kills and 13 digs, as did Linda Rivera, who finished with six kills and a team high 19 digs.
Nonetheless, the Panthers had some outstanding performances as well, starting on defense, where Bailee Haywood made a game high 35 digs, Kennidy Moss finished with 20, and Jocelyn Lazarus added 15 more.
Emma Hendrix was outstanding for Maxwell, pacing the team with 10 kills, while additionally making some athletic saves as part of her 15 digs.
Shelby Dunlap had a big night at the service stripe with 15 points and dished out eight assists as well.
Both squads capped the week last Thursday with Williams sweeping Los Molinos 25-10, 25-15, 25-10, and Maxwell downing CORE Butte 25-22, 25-13, 25-15.
Mia Rivera and Garcia had nine and eight kills., respectively, for the ‘Jackets (11-6, 2-0), while Tungasmita pitched in with 10 assists, seven kills, and seven digs, and Briana Jamie made a team high eight digs.
In the Panthers’ victory over the Lynx, Fatima Cano led the attack with seven kills. Haywood made 12 digs and Hendrix added nine digs and eight assists.
This week, the Yellowjackets hosted CORE Butte on Tuesday and are in Hamilton City tonight to face the Braves, while Maxwell (14-5, 1-1) hit the road twice having traveled to Hamilton City on Sept. 27 and is in Biggs this evening. ■
