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COLTON–The Pirate Jr. High “A” volleyball team played their final match of the season missing the win against the Jr. Wildcat on February 20. 

Hannah Bagby led the team with a season-high seven assists. She also added a block, three kills, and an ace serving. Haliee Brewer led the team in kills with six.  Hallie had a strong night as she also contributed four aces, two digs, and a block of her own. Our leader in digs was Cassidy Bales. Cassidy had eight digs to go along with six aces serving, which was also a team high, and two kills.

Other “A” team contributors were Brooklyn Rayford, Izzy Field, Ashlee Pemberton, Stacia Bowen, Laynee Herres, Taylor Gilbert, Paiden Anderson, Allyson Schaffer, and Adriana McGatha. Colton won the contest by the scores of 17-25, 25-14, 8-15. 

“It was tough losing our last game of the season but there were a lot of bright spots,” said Adam Van Vogt.  “Our game two win was one of our best games of the season.  We did everything so well that game and it was a glimpse of what this group is capable of when it all comes together.  I thought overall this was one of our best serve–receive matches of the season.”

Colton served consistently which made the Jr. Pirate team pass, demonstrating how much the girls have improved over the season. “We really struggled in serve receive and passing in general and improved a lot in this area,” said Van Vogt. “We also came a long way serving and setting up pass–set–spike sequences.” Van Vogt believes that trying for a pass–set–spikes cost some points against opponents who are willing to just bump the ball back over. Working on this sequence will serve these girls well as they prepare them for the high school game.

“I am really proud of this group of girls and the improvement that we had in all areas as well as how we competed this year,” said Van Vogt.  “We seemed to take almost everyone to game three this year and although we didn’t prevail in as many game threes as I would have liked, this group of girls took at least a game from everyone we played this year.” These girls can compete against their peers from other towns and will be something to watch in the next season.

The coaches and team members extend their appreciation to Savannah Cranor for the great job of coaching the B team this year, to Athletic Director Fred Knebel who assisted the Jr. High team and coaches, every need, Sue Nelson for volunteering her time to be the score keeper, to the parents who supported the girls, and a big pat-on-the-back to the junior high girls for being a great team to coach. Everyone made this season so much fun. “I appreciate your hard work and attitudes this year,” said Van Vogt.