WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – Last season was hugely successful for the Yellowjackets (19-8), who after capturing the Mid-Valley League crown made an impressive run into the NSCIF Division IV playoffs before falling to eventual champion U-Prep in the semi-final round.
However, as they embark on their title defense, the roster looks much different than it did a season ago, when it boasted seven seniors, including the MVL’s Most Valuable Player and All-Northern Section pick, Trinity Tungasmita, the Jackets’ dynamic setter, who will suit up for Solano Community College in 2023.
The major challenges facing the very young team this season revolve around filling the vacancies and developing the trust in each other that is necessary to achieving success.
One stabilizing factor for Williams this year will be the presence of Mia Rivera, a 2022 All-MVL selection and arguably the county’s best all-round player, who last season finished with 245 kills, 52 aces, 42 blocks and 122 digs.
In her final season for the Yellowjackets, Rivera will move from the middle to the outside, where teams will be hard-pressed to put up an effective block.
In addition to her physical contributions, Rivera has established herself as a team leader, as has fellow senior Valeria Vargas, who returns to play opposite in the rotation.
Switching to a 6-2 this season, the ‘Jackets will look to junior Giselle Navarro and freshman Ariana Paiz to set, while a pair of sophomores in Lupita Zuniga and Estefany Carabeo will hold down the middle.
Senior Andrea Rivera makes a return to the court, after a year absence, and should make an immediate impact from the pin.
Who will step into the second opposite position and the back row is still uncertain, although seniors Leslie Lopez and Emily Mendez, along with juniors Maddie Davalos, Melany Aerrola, Florecita Gonzalez, and Alondra Ayala are all in the running. With so many new faces, Williams will endure some growing pains, particularly in the preseason, but the team has shown second-year head coach Darren Robinson their desire to work hard and improve.
“Our goal is to defend our league title, but we are the underdogs now. We will use the preseason to build upon our strengths and improve in our areas of weakness, and by the time league rolls around be ready to compete,” Robinson said. “This group has a mixture of experience and young players that are unproven but talented. The strides they made in the first week of practice alone are beyond my expectations. I think the sky is the limit for them.”
The ‘Jackets opened their preseason earlier in the week with matches against Winters and Maxwell and will face a major test on Saturday when they head to Chico High’s Panther Invitational Tournament.
