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‘Jackets handle Huskies in first meeting of the year
Hilmar volley 1
Hughson High’s Kayla Patino gets a kill attempt blocked by Hilmar’s Sara Chavez (13) and Mikela Labno (15) during Wednesday’s 3-0 Yellowjacket victory (CANDY PADILLA/The Journal).

Hilmar High volleyball kept their undefeated streak alive in league after they swept through Hughson High on Wednesday afternoon on the road in a 3-0 victory. 

“Well… really we don’t look or never really look at the stats,” said Hilmar head coach Patti Harris. “We just want to go out and play our game and do the best we can and that is our philosophy. Doesn't matter who we play, we just go out and play to our full potential.” 

“Hilmar played a good match and is a great team,” said Hughson head coach Kaci Brazil. "It's always good to face a team like Hilmar. It helps us so that we can continue to raise the bar for our team goals." 

Hilmar volleyball has not lost a TVL match since Oct. 18, 2016, when they fell to then TVL champs Ripon High in a 3-1 loss. 

The ‘Jackets completed two perfect seasons in the TVL in 2017 and 2018, going 12-0 each season. Prior to that they had gone undefeated in three straight seasons from 2013-2015. 

Hilmar is currently 13-5 overall and 3-0 in league. 

Hughson’s record heading into the weekend is 8-10 overall and 3-1 in the TVL. 

Hughson volley
Madi Coelho gets ready for an assist during Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Hilmar from the Huskies gym (CANDY PADILLA/The Journal).

In the first set, Hughson gave Hilmar their biggest test, but in the end the Yellowjackets toppled the Huskies, 25-15. 

The second set saw them sweep through with a 25-9 win, followed by a 25-10 win to complete the straight sets sweep. 

“We tried to control the tempo and even with the many substitutions that we made, with the core still being on the court and making subs, they still held their level of play,” said Harris.

Hilmar’s Olivia Peterson finished with 11 kills. Emma Martin tallied a game-high 22 assists. Sara Chavez and Gen Fontes each added two blocks apiece. Julia Gonsalves and Mikela Labno added 13 digs apiece. Kayley Souza added two aces. 

Hilmar will next travel to Modesto Christian at 6 p.m. Monday. 

Hughson’s next game will be at home against Ripon High at 6 p.m. Wednesday.