Hilmar High School’s volleyball team suffered a close loss on Tuesday as they battled Bret Harte High in Angels Camp in the first round of playoffs. The game consisted of five sets, which were all won by close margins (22-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-21, 15-9).
“We didn’t play bad at all; the girls did a really good job,” Hilmar High coach Patti Harris said. “Their offense really picked up and it went back and forth.”
Hilmar was aided by a tough defense and the leadership of Rylee McCown, who had 18 assists, and Valerie Ewing, who had 18 digs. Savannah Gemperle recorded nine kills and Jessica Walley put up four aces as they also added to the effort.
In the end it wasn’t enough to defeat the Mother Lode League champion Bullfrogs.
“It was a tough loss, but I’m really proud of them this year. All season we just had fun and played very well as a team,” Harris said of her girls. “They made this team earn it, and that’s what every coach wants if they lose.”
The Yellowjackets now look forward to next season as all but four players are set to return.