MODESTO — On Monday evening, the Hilmar High volleyball team won three of four sets against Modesto Christian High. But that one loss is not a big deal. According to coach Patti Harris, the Yellowjackets always find a way to win.

“They play consistent,” she said. “They don’t take too many dips — up and down, up and down. They’re pretty consistent as a team.”

It’s been mostly ups.

The Yellowjackets’ 3-1 triumph (25-10, 25-22, 21-25, 25-23) over MC improved their Trans-Valley League record to 3-0 and 16-7-2 overall. Rylee McCown had 19 assists and four aces, Oliviah Gemperle recorded three solo blocks and sophomores Alexis Alvernaz (16 kills) and Valerie Ewing (30 digs) made major contributions. Those numbers have been consistent all season.

Hilmar is also coming off an important three-set win over defending champion Ripon High last week. That puts the Yellowjackets, as Harris noted, “definitely in the running for league.”

At the same time, she said, “We do have another tough match with Escalon and every other team. Every team we play, for me, is a hard match. I’m just trying to keep the girls focused on that — every game is a championship game.”

The Yellowjackets continue their campaign today with a home match against Riverbank High at 6:30 p.m. They face Orestimba High on Monday before playing a tough Escalon High team on Wednesday of next week.

Harris said her Yellowjackets have had so much success so far because of their defense.

“We’re a very good defensive team,” she added. “Anything that is sent to us, we’ll dig it up. And that’s pretty much what we’ve been doing.”

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.