It’s been nearly 30 years since the Williams volleyball team won a league title outright, but the wait is over as the Yellowjackets swept Mid-Valley League foes Hamilton City and Biggs last week to claim the elusive crown.
While both wins were necessary for the ‘Jackets to seal the deal, it was the 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 victory over Hamilton City at home Oct. 18 that was far more significant in the process.
Ending the season as the undisputed MVL champion didn’t seem like much of an option three weeks ago, when the Braves were the sole unbeaten team in the MVL, but thanks to an assist from the Maxwell Panthers, who handed Hamilton City its first conference loss, the Yellowjackets had a chance and made the most of it.
Although Williams had lost its first match with the Braves in a five set thriller on Sept. 29 in Hamilton City, the ‘Jackets atoned for the defeat on Senior Night last Tuesday.
Really, the outcome was never in doubt as the Yellowjackets methodically outplayed the Braves.
While Mia Rivera continued her outstanding performance this season, finishing with 10 kills and 10 digs, the director of the ‘Jacket offense, setter Trinity Tungasmita, deserves credit for her exceptional play as well.
Against Hamilton, Tungasmita registered 19 assists, 20 digs, and six kills, which pays tribute to her savvy court sense.
For the senior, the match was enjoyable, much better than the first meeting between the two squads, but also a reminder that the season’s end is rapidly approaching.
“We were more prepared, worked more on our coverages, and trusted each other a lot more this time,” said Tungasmita. “Overall, it’s been a fun season, maybe more bittersweet actually. It’s been a lot of hard work and long hours.”
Two other major contributors to the Yellowjackets’ success against the Braves were seniors Ashley Garcia and Alexa Barrera.
Garcia added eight six aces, five kills and 11 digs, while Barrera pitched in with nine digs.
Fellow senior Emily Arreola secured match point from the service line with an ace.
Williams closed out the regular season in Biggs last Thursday with a 25-13, 25-20, 25-18 win.
Rivera, seventh in the Northern Section in kills, added 11 more to her season total, while Tungasmita handed out 18 assists, and Garcia pitched in with eight kills, six aces, and five digs.
On defense, Laura Rivera and Brianna Jaime each had five digs.
Coach Darren Robinson, commenting on his inaugural volleyball coaching experience, gave all the credit to his players citing the work they put in during the summer and throughout the season, but also explained why winning a title is so significant.
“I have coached other sports for a long time, but I’ve never had a team that wants to practice like this one does. I have to drag them out of the gym,” Robinson said. “This is special because you don’t get the opportunity to play for a championship that often, so this is great for our seven seniors, our team and our school. Absolutely every member of this team made a major contribution this season.”
The newly minted MVL champs (18-7), seeded No. 4 in the Northern Section CIF Division IV playoffs, hosted a first round match against No. 5 Pierce on Oct. 25. ■